-Italy-based manufacturer of electric motors and drives brings 80 jobs to Montgomery County-
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 7, 2014 Montgomery County, Virginia Economic Development Department | |
Montgomery County, Virginia – InMotion, a leading manufacturer of electric motors and drives for electric and hybrid vehicles, today announced it will invest over $5 million to establish its first U.S. manufacturing operations in Montgomery County. The company, a subsidiary of Italy-based Zapi S.p.A., will locate in the Technology Manufacturing Building in Blacksburg. InMotion anticipates growing to 80 employees in Montgomery County over the next three years.
Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McAuliffe said, “We are thrilled that InMotion will join the corporate roster of manufacturing companies in Virginia and continue to expand in the New River Valley. Increasing advanced manufacturing jobs is vital to building a New Virginia Economy. We look forward to InMotion’s future success in Montgomery County and in the Commonwealth for years to come.”
“InMotion’s choice of Virginia for the location of its first U.S. manufacturing operation is great news for Montgomery County and the Commonwealth,” said Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones. “The County offers the infrastructure to meet the company’s current and future growth needs, research and development capabilities, and a robust workforce. We are grateful to InMotion for contributing to the economic health of the New River Valley and the Commonwealth.”
InMotion is a global supplier of advanced software, power electronics, controls, motors and generators for electric vehicles with over 300 employees in offices in Europe, Virginia, Japan and China. With annual sales topping $105 million, InMotion’s products are used by leading manufacturers of electric lift trucks, mobile off-highway vehicles, personal mobility devices, elevators, buses, and refrigeration systems. InMotion is a subsidiary of Zapi S.p.A., a leader in advanced controller technology based in Italy with annual sales of over $350 million.
“Montgomery County has an outstanding combination of local talent and cost-effective facilities as well as improved access to Virginia Tech and its world-class electric vehicle research,” said Mike Jellen, General Manager of InMotion US. “Our Montgomery County location, with its attractive standard of living, coupled with InMotion’s ground-breaking product development will continue to attract and retain the industry’s best people.”
Montgomery County worked with the New River Valley Economic Development Alliance, Virginia Economic Development Partnership, MBC Development Corporation, and the Town of Blacksburg to support the project. Through a lease agreement with the Economic Development Authority (EDA) of Montgomery County, InMotion will lease approximately 60,000-square-feet of office and manufacturing space at the Technology Manufacturing Building in Blacksburg. Built in 2001, the Technology Manufacturing Building is a 109,000-square-foot facility owned and managed by EDA.
“We are excited to welcome InMotion to Montgomery County,” said Bill Brown, Chairman of the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors. “Our selection by this great Italian company for its first U.S. manufacturing operations speaks volumes to the innovative business climate in Montgomery County and the positive reputation our highly-skilled workforce enjoys around the world.”
“We’re honored to welcome InMotion to Blacksburg,” said Mayor Ron Rordam. “The fact that this international company has decided to locate in our community speaks to the strong work force and incomparable quality of life we offer in Blacksburg and the surrounding region. We look forward to working with InMotion as they expand their business opportunities in the Town.”
Contacts:
Ruth Richey
Montgomery County, Va.
Public Information Office
Phone: (540) 381-6887
E-mail: richeyrl@montgomerycountyva.gov
Mike Jellen
InMotion U.S.
Phone: 408-717-2157
E-mail: mike.jellen@evs-inmotion.com
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Montgomery County, Virginia - home of Virginia Tech and the towns of Blacksburg and Christiansburg - is a progressive, technology-driven community with an abundance of outdoor amenities. The Montgomery County Economic Development Department actively supports the startup, retention and expansion of companies in Montgomery County as well as the recruitment of new businesses to the community. To learn more, visit www.YesMontgomeryVA.org
The Montgomery County Department of Economic Development (MCDED) offers a number of free and confidential services and resources to help companies large and small. We welcome the opportunity to provide direct assistance to companies interested in starting, expanding or relocating a business in Montgomery County, Blacksburg and Christiansburg. Contact us today!
