DANVILLE (WSLS 10) -Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe announced on Tuesday that Overfinch, will invest $1.82 million to establish a manufacturing operation in Danville.
The company, based in Leeds, England, is a custom upfitter of Range Rover SUV's. In Danville, the company plans to upfit Jaguar Land Rover vehicles, which will be sold to customers across the U.S. The investment includes an assembly and conversion workshop, vehicle servicing, diagnostics, and parts warehouse. Virginia successfully competed against California for the project.
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"I am pleased to congratulate Overfinch for their expansion and applaud their decision to establish their new manufacturing operation in the City of Danville," said Governor McAuliffe, speaking at the announcement. "As Virginia expands our global partnerships, this deal exemplifies our advantages as highly skilled, workforce-ready state and speaks to the competitive business advantages of the Southside Virginia region. As a well-regarded international automotive company, Overfinch will be a great corporate partner in our continuing efforts to diversify and build a new Virginia economy."
Overfinch was founded under the name Schuler in 1975. Since then, the company has remained dedicated to the Land Rover brand, enhancing the luxury 4x4 with a continuous R&D program, top class production facilities and designs that improve the vehicle as opposed to altering it from standard.
"Overfinch is delighted to announce that our US engineering and production facility will be based in Danville, Virginia," said Kevin Sloane, Chair and CEO of Overfinch. "The community's commitment to workforce training, with an emphasis on advanced manufacturing skills, was a critical factor in our decision. In 2016, we have taken the step from being Britain's leading creator of bespoke Range Rovers to a global luxury brand. Our prospects in the USA are extremely strong and we're excited to commence this new chapter with the support and contribution of the Danville community."
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the City of Danville to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McAuliffe approved a $125,000 grant from the Commonwealth Opportunity Fund to assist Danville with the project. The Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission approved $275,000 in Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds. The company is eligible to receive state benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. Funding and services to support the company's employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.
"We are delighted to have this economic development announcement of a global luxury brand like Overfinch, here at the Farnborough Airshow," said Sherman Saunders, Mayor of the City of Danville. "We are ecstatic to learn that after a broad and extensive search for ideal locations for its first U.S. engineering and production facility, Overfinch has chosen the City of Danville-Pittsylvania County Region. That speaks volumes about the confidence Overfinch North America has in our region."