50 jobs coming as VFP expands in Duffield, Virginia
DUFFIELD, Va. (WJHL) — A company that makes enclosures to protect the electric grid and other "critical infrastructure" will add 50 jobs at its Duffield manufacturing facility as part of a $5 million expansion.
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VFP Inc., a Roanoke-based company that moved its manufacturing facility to Duffield in 1997, is expanding primarily due to growth in the data center market, a news release from the Commonwealth of Virginia says. VFP has also seen growth in its other markets, including telecommunications, public safety radio and an array of utility projects.
VFP CEO Scott File told News Channel 11 in an email that 350 employees currently work at the Duffield manufacturing plant of VFP, which he said is an employee-owned company.
"We will add at least 50 jobs over the next three years," File said. He said while the market for VFP's products is experiencing some overall growth, the company has also captured market share from competitors, which is its primary reason for expansion.
Scott County Economic Development Chairman Roger Fraysier noted VFP has already expanded its Duffield facility five times since opening there.
"We appreciate the new jobs and investment that this expansion provides to the county and the region,' Fraysier said.
"VFP attributes this success to the loyalty and talent of our employee-owners who share the common goal of supplying industry leading, quality products and services to our valued customers," File said in the release. "VFP is grateful to be in Scott County with an available workforce and local talent who can meet our vast manufacturing needs."
Gov. Glenn Youngkin approved a $75,000 grant from Virginia's Opportunity Fund to assist Scott County in keeping the expansion local, as sites in Louisiana and Missouri also competed for the project.
VFP's products range from heavyweight concrete to lightweight, flexible metal shelters that can be customized to meet diverse client needs. Its website homepage touts everything from its "lightweight metal structures that can withstand extreme environments" to "ballistics rated enclosures to protect from vandals and keep power grids operational."
VFP also received a $100,000 grant for workforce development from the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA), which is being used to aid in the expansion.
"VCEDA congratulates VFP on yet another expansion of its manufacturing operation in Scott County," VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel Jonathan Belcher said.
