Governor McDonnell Announces 40 New Jobs in City of Galax
– Guardian Industries to Add Solar Energy Product Line –

RICHMOND - Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that Guardian Industries will invest $2.1 million to expand operations at its Consolidated Glass & Mirror facility in the City of Galax. The project, which involves a new solar energy product line, will create 40 new jobs.

"Consolidated Glass has been an important part of the Galax economy for more than 30 years," said Governor McDonnell. "This expansion is important for the new investment and jobs it creates in the community, and because it comes in a major growth industry. Virginia has declared the energy industry a key target sector going forward and we appreciate that this Virginia company is expanding into the solar energy business."

"Forty new jobs will have a significant impact on the Galax community," said Jim Cheng, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. "It is exciting to see a Virginia company involved in green innovation, and we are proud that Guardian Industries will manufacture this important product in Galax."

Founded in Galax in 1979, Consolidated Glass & Mirror Corporation became a subsidiary of Guardian Industries in 1992. Guardian currently has 28 float glass lines and 13 glass fabrication plants around the world. The expansion in Galax will enable the company to produce specially coated mirrors used in the technology of concentrating solar power (CSP), a type of solar thermal power. The mirrors track the sun and radiate its energy onto a central receiver, creating the power equivalent of hundreds of suns. That power is used to vaporize water into steam to power a turbine for the generation of electricity.

"Guardian and Consolidated have a long history in Galax, and we are excited to expand our operations here," said Dennis Carroll, Plant Manager.  "This is a pro-business community with a great workforce. We appreciate the assistance from the Commonwealth, the City of Galax, and Virginia's aCorridor in making this project a reality."

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the City of Galax and Virginia's aCorridor to secure the project for Virginia. The Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission approved $100,000 in Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds to assist Galax with the project. Through its Virginia Jobs Investment Program, the Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide funding and services to support the company's recruitment and training activities.

"On behalf of the Virginia Tobacco Commission we congratulate the City of Galax on a great win," said Roscoe Reynolds, Commissioner, Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission. "We are pleased that the Tobacco Commission could offer assistance to ensure that Guardian will stay and thrive in Virginia."

"The expansion of Guardian Industries in Galax is exciting news," said Galax Mayor C.M. Mitchell. "Helping our local industry succeed is the surest way of revitalizing our economy. The addition of 40 jobs recognizes the ability of our citizens to produce an excellent product for the solar technology industry. This project puts Guardian at the forefront of green energy development."     

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