Solid Stone Fabrics to invest $1.5 million to expand textile manufacturing operation
RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that Solid Stone Fabrics, a textile manufacturer and distributor of stretch fabrics, will invest $1.5 million to expand its operation in Henry County. The expansion will accommodate new equipment and include building improvements to the existing facility. Virginia successfully competed against California, Florida and New Jersey for the project, which will create 22 new jobs.
"Textile manufacturing is an intricate part of Southside's economy and I applaud Henry County for their business-friendly initiatives and workforce development that attracts high-caliber companies like Solid Stone Fabrics," said Governor McAuliffe. "Solid Stone Fabrics, which started out as a one-man shop 13 years ago and has grown to over a 60-person operation, is a testament to the importance and support of small-businesses here in the Commonwealth. I congratulate Solid Stone on their expansion and will continue our efforts to diversify and build a new Virginia economy."
"Small business success stories like Solid Stone Fabric are a testament to Virginia's business climate and the hardworking citizens across the Commonwealth," said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones. "Business expansion is the best way to grow Virginia's economy, and I congratulate Solid Stone on this exciting announcement.
Founded in 2003, Solid Stone Fabrics sources fabric worldwide for consumer markets. The company uses sublimation to embellish fabrics with custom images, creating merchandise ranging from dance wear to costumes to swimsuits.
"Henry County is centrally located on the East Coast and that makes it very attractive as our base of operations," said David Stone, Founder and CEO of Solid Stone Fabrics. "The State of Virginia, Henry County and the EDC have all been most helpful in the expansion process, and we truly appreciate the incentives that have been offered to our company.
"The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McAuliffe approved a $50,000 grant from the Commonwealth's Opportunity Fund to assist the County with the project. The company is eligible to receive state benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. Solid Stone Fabrics will also be eligible to receive sales and use tax exemptions on manufacturing equipment and up to $17,600 in funding and services to support the company's employee training activities through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.
"We are excited about the expansion of Solid Stone Fabrics," said Jim Adams, Chairman of the Henry County Board of Supervisors. "It is evidence that innovation and entrepreneurship can flourish in our community."
"It is great to see Solid Stone Fabrics expanding again," said Delegate Danny Marshall. "This company is built on innovation, marketing and product excellence. The creative fabric designs and applications have given Solid Stone Fabrics a competitive edge. We congratulate President David Stone on its growth and success and we thank him for bringing more jobs to our area. We are always happy to see another step toward manufacturing making a come-back: Made in America, Made in Virginia, Made in Henry County!"