On Friday, The Vitamin Shoppe announced plans to establish its first Virginia distribution facility in Hanover County. The operation will be located at the Virginia Transportation Park in Ashland, Va., and will bring a $39.4 million investment and 174 new jobs to the Central Virginia region.

The Vitamin Shoppe’s accelerated growth and desire to be closer to its mid-Atlantic customer base were primary reasons for building the warehouse and fulfillment center in Virginia. The company has grown from one store in 1977 to more than 550 company-owned retail stores today.

Virginia successfully competed against North Carolina due to the Commonwealth’s strategic location, competitive business costs, and premier workforce.

The Hanover County location offers visibility to I-95, allowing the company to easily access Virginia’s premier transportation network, which includes six major interstate highways, 14 railroads, nine commercial airports and the international Port of Virginia.

Virginia’s competitive operating environment includes a six percent corporate tax rate that remains unchanged since 1972, construction costs 16 percent below the national average, and a low unemployment tax rate 32 percent below the national average.

According to Ashland Mayor Faye Prichard, “The Town of Ashland and The Vitamin Shoppe share core values of community involvement and healthy living…. Their decision to locate in Ashland and Hanover builds upon the reputation of this region serving as a strategic location for supply chain centers in the mid-Atlantic.”

The Vitamin Shoppe joins the company of Ace Hardware, Amazon.com, Backcountry.com, Home Depot, McKesson Corp, QVC, Target and Wal-Mart, all of which have established fulfillment and distribution operations in the Commonwealth.

To learn why Virginia continues to be a leading location for distribution centers, attracting more than $1.6 billion in capital investment from global logistics companies over the last 10 years, click here.

Following Governor McDonnell’s announcement in July, last week Morooka America celebrated the opening of its first U.S. track carrier manufacturing plant in Hanover County. The project will bring 50 new jobs to the Central Virginia region.

Morooka America will operate under a license agreement with Japan-based Morooka Company Ltd., a leading manufacturer of rubber track carriers used in the construction, pipeline installation and agricultural industries. Using its specialized rubber tracks, the Morooka Carrier offers the additional traction needed to transport heavy materials through challenging terrain.

With the U.S. as the leading export destination for Morooka products, the Virginia facility will allow the company to optimize its supply chain and more efficiently serve and grow its North and South American markets. 

Virginia offers a strategic location for both the manufacturing and distribution of Morooka’s products. With nearly 240,000 workers employed in the manufacturing industry, Virginia’s workforce stands ready to support the industry’s needs.

In addition, Virginia’s central East Coast location and premier logistics network offer easy access to U.S. and international markets. With 14 railroads, six major interstate highways, nine commercial airports, the international Port of Virginia, and the Virginia Inland Port, the Commonwealth’s substantial logistics infrastructure is a major advantage for companies.

To learn why global manufacturing companies continue to establish operations in Virginia, investing more than $13.7 billion over the last 10 years, click here.

Secretary Cheng addresses the crowd at the Morooka America ribbon-cutting event in Hanover County, Va.