UK manufacturer to open first U.S. facility in Danville

DANVILLE, Va. – A new manufacturing facility is coming to Southside.

The Harlow Group will establish its first U.S. manufacturing facility in Danville.

The $8 million investment will create 49 jobs over five years.

"Good paying jobs that I believe are about $20,000 higher than the average in this area. What tremendous news this is," Gov. Ralph Northam said, making the announcement at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research in Danville Thursday.

"We congratulate you and we welcome you to the Commonwealth of Virginia and welcome you to Danville, Virginia," Northam said, speaking to The Harlow Group's director. "I can just tell you, we will do everything that we can to make sure that your business is successful and it continues to grow." 

The facility will be located in the Danville-Pittsylvania County Cyber Park. In addition to the manufacturing facility, Harlow Group will also establish a U.S. Training Center of Excellence at the facility.

The Virginia Tobacco Commission is supporting the project with a $315,000 Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund grant and a $630,000 TROF loan.

“After a two-year process looking at a number of alternative possibilities to expand into the U.S., we are delighted to finally conclude our decision to invest in Danville, Virginia," said Harlow Group CEO and founder Alan Pearce. 

"Virginians have been amongst the most welcoming and friendly people and their appetite to make things work and overcome obstacles is second to none,”

The Harlow Group is a market-leading provider of precision sheet metalwork, fabrications and assemblies. Established in 1975 and based in the United Kingdom, the company has grown in size and experience.

Supplying some of the best-known names in the world, the Harlow Group works with a broad range of sectors, including aerospace, automotive, consumer and industrial electronics, marine, medical, retail, vending, telecommunications and energy.