Community leaders reacted with excitement at the announcement by Gov. Ralph Northam that Crown Holdings, Inc., an industry leader in metal packaging technology, will construct a facility in the Commonwealth Crossing Business Centre (CCBC) in Henry County.
The company will invest $145 million to establish a manufacturing operation at CCBC and create 126 new jobs. This capital investment will be the largest initial investment ever in Henry County.
The 355,000-square-foot aluminum beverage can production facility will be built on Lot 4 at CCBC. The company will use the Commonwealth Centre for Advanced Training (CCAT) facility at CCBC for the initial hiring and training phase as its new facility is constructed.
Below is reaction from several local leaders who played significant roles in the announcement:
Jim Adams, chairman of the Henry County Board of Supervisors: “On behalf of the Board of Supervisors, I assure you that we are beyond excited to welcome Crown Holdings to our community. This is further evidence that the past nearly two decades of planning, preparation and construction of Commonwealth Crossing Business Centre is paying off. Crown is an industry leader with a reputation of community involvement, treating its employees well, and being great stewards of the environment. It is precisely the kind of company we want, and we are humbled that the company chose us.”
Larry Ryder, chairman of the board at the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation (EDC): “We are so happy to welcome Crown Holdings to our community. Crown is an international corporation with a tremendous reputation for quality work, and its decision to locate at CCBC is a true indication of the potential this community offers. We are full speed ahead, and the EDC Board is excited to see what comes next.”
Kate Keller, president of The Harvest Foundation: “The Harvest Foundation has been a partner with the EDC and Henry County from day one on Commonwealth Crossing and on our economic development plan. Today’s decision by Crown Holdings to build its latest facility at CCBC underscores how important teamwork is and how it takes a community effort to make days like this possible.”
Dr. Angeline Godwin, President, Patrick Henry Community College – “PHCC stands ready to work with Crown Holdings in crafting a training program specific to the job skills needed for its Henry County facility. We are thrilled that Crown has selected our community, and I am hopeful that this is just the start of a long and mutually beneficial effort.”
