355 jobs expected as German manufacturer establishes operation in Henry County, first in US

HENRY COUNTY, Va. (WDBJ/Governor’s Office Release) - A company that invented quartz composite sinks will invest $85 million to establish its first U.S. manufacturing operation in Henry County.

The announcement about SCHOCK GmbH was made Tuesday by Governor Ralph Northam, who said Virginia competed with Florida, Georgia and North Carolina for the project, which will create 355 jobs.

SCHOCK GmbH will occupy a 95,500-square-foot facility on 14.7 acres in Patriot Centre Industrial Park.

“For SCHOCK, this expansion is very special—it’s our first production site outside Germany,” said SCHOCK Chief Executive Officer Ralf Boberg. “The facility will serve the strongest growth market for our product category and allow us to meet demand for colored kitchen sinks with local ‘Made in the USA’ products. We are thrilled to have found the ideal location in Henry County. As an industrial business hub, the region has a well-qualified and dedicated workforce—one of the key success factors for us as a company—and its geographic location and interregional infrastructure are perfect for our needs.”

“We are excited to welcome SCHOCK to Virginia,” said Governor Northam. “This important European company is choosing to invest in Virginia because of our highly skilled workers and our outstanding business climate. When a global leader like SCHOCK selects Virginia as its gateway into the United States, that’s a sign that this is a great place to do business. We look forward to a successful partnership for many years to come.”

“This substantial investment and the creation of over 350 high-quality jobs is a tremendous economic boost for Henry County and the entire region,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball. “Martinsville-Henry County has made a commitment to infrastructure, education, and workforce in the region, and we are confident the company will benefit from these efforts. We welcome SCHOCK to the Commonwealth and thank the company for this major investment.”

SCHOCK will complete its operation in phases. according to the governor’s office. Phase one will be completed over a five-year period, during which the company will establish the manufacturing capability to produce quartz composite kitchen sinks in its new Virginia location.

“There’s going to be a lot of different types of jobs within the factory as well as within the administration so I think that there will be a lot of opportunities for people with different education levels and experience,” says Marc Nover, CEO of SCHOCK North America.

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation to secure the project for Virginia. Governor Northam approved a $1.7 million grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist Henry County with the project.

“SCHOCK is an absolutely perfect fit for Henry County,” said Henry County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jim Adams. “We are excited to have SCHOCK join the county’s corporate community and look forward to what the future will bring.”

“I am pleased to see that SCHOCK has selected the Patriot Centre Industrial Park in Henry County for its first U.S. manufacturing operation,” said Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-9). “The jobs projected to come to the Martinsville-Henry County area over the next several years will be a great contribution to the community. I congratulate Governor Northam’s office and all the state and local leaders that helped make this happen.”

“The Patriot Centre Industrial Park’s manufacturing facility was created to attract high-paying jobs to the Martinsville and Henry County communities, and now that investment is paying dividends for our community,” said Senator William Stanley (R-20). “With the addition of SCHOCK GmbH to the Patriot Centre, Southside continues to demonstrate to industries that our region is the best place to do business in a 21st-century economy.”

“The creation of hundreds of new jobs from this investment is excellent news for the people and communities of Henry County,” said Delegate Les Adams (R-16). “I am pleased to join with others in welcoming SCHOCK GmbH to our region and congratulate all those involved in bringing this new investment.”

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