Abingdon, Virginia, October 10, 2025
News Summary
The Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing celebrated National Manufacturing Day with its annual awards banquet in Abingdon, honoring companies and individuals for their contributions to the manufacturing sector. VFP, Inc. received multiple awards, including Manufacturer of the Year, while Hitachi Energy announced a major expansion to enhance regional operations. Governor Glenn Youngkin also highlighted a new tin production facility investment. The event showcased the significant impact of manufacturing in the area amid evolving industry challenges.
Abingdon, Virginia: Recognition of Manufacturing Excellence Amidst Industry Challenges
The Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing (SVAM) held its annual manufacturing awards banquet on October 2 at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon. The event celebrated National Manufacturing Day and highlighted the achievements of manufacturers across the region.
This year’s awards honored several companies and individuals for their outstanding contributions. The Manufacturer of the Year and Community Impact Award went to VFP, Inc. of Duffield, while the Environmental Excellence Award was awarded to Real Performance Machinery of Independence. Strength in Safety was recognized with the Excellence in Safety Award, also going to VFP, Inc. The Innovations in Manufacturing Award was given to Strongwell of Bristol, and Chris Viers from West River Conveyors of Oakwood was awarded Manufacturing Employee of the Year. The Community Choice Award went to Hitachi Energy of Bland, while Jake Leonard of Real Performance Machinery received the Eric Miller Memorial Award.
SVAM Executive Director Lennie Gail Mitcham stated that the awards celebrate the deep commitment of individuals and organizations to their employees and communities. The award winners were selected based on nominations from peers and partners, emphasizing achievements in innovation, safety, sustainability, and leadership.
Coinciding with the banquet, President Donald Trump announced new tariffs that include a 100% levy on branded drug imports unless companies establish manufacturing plants in the U.S. This announcement comes as the manufacturing sector prepares for changes in trade dynamics.
In a significant move, Hitachi Energy announced a $22.5 million investment to expand and modernize its dry-type transformer manufacturing operations in Southwest Virginia. This investment is expected to create about 40 jobs in Smyth County and 80 jobs in Bland. A new facility in Atkins, Virginia is designed to enhance manufacturing capabilities and improve regional distribution, with plans for full operational status by August 2025. The upgrades to the Bland facility will increase production capacity and align with Hitachi Energy’s strategic goals for 2030.
Hitachi Energy’s expansion is part of its global investment plan of over $6 billion by 2027, aimed at improving electrical grids worldwide. Additionally, the company emphasizes its commitment to environmental responsibility and community partnerships through investments in STEM education programs and workforce development.
Furthermore, Governor Glenn Youngkin announced Nathan Trotter’s $65 million investment toward a tin production and processing facility in Patriot Centre Industrial Park, Henry County. The facility, named Tin Ridge in honor of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Southwest Virginia, is anticipated to create 118 jobs and is positioned to reduce the U.S. reliance on foreign sources for tin, a critical component for various industries. Construction is expected to start by the end of the year.
Conclusion
The awards banquet not only recognized the outstanding contributions of manufacturers in Southwest Virginia but also highlighted the growing challenges and opportunities within the industry, particularly in the wake of new tariffs and increased investment aimed at bolstering regional manufacturing capabilities.
FAQ
What was celebrated at the Southwest Virginia Manufacturing Awards Banquet?
The banquet celebrated National Manufacturing Day and recognized the contributions of manufacturers across the region.
Who won the Manufacturer of the Year award?
The Manufacturer of the Year award was given to VFP, Inc. of Duffield.
What significant announcement coincided with the banquet?
The banquet coincided with President Donald Trump’s announcement of new tariffs, including a 100% levy on branded drug imports unless companies establish manufacturing plants in the U.S.
What investment was announced by Hitachi Energy?
Hitachi Energy announced a $22.5 million investment to expand and modernize its dry-type transformer manufacturing operations in Southwest Virginia.
What is the anticipated job creation from Nathan Trotter’s investment?
Nathan Trotter’s $65 million investment is anticipated to create 118 jobs.
Key Features Summary
| Award | Recipient |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer of the Year | VFP, Inc. of Duffield |
| Community Impact Award | VFP, Inc. of Duffield |
| Environmental Excellence Award | Real Performance Machinery of Independence |
| Excellence in Safety Award | VFP, Inc. of Duffield |
| Innovations in Manufacturing Award | Strongwell of Bristol |
| Manufacturing Employee of the Year | Chris Viers, West River Conveyors of Oakwood |
| Community Choice Award | Hitachi Energy of Bland |
| Eric Miller Memorial Award | Jake Leonard, Real Performance Machinery of Independence |
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Additional Resources
- Herald Courier: Business Article
- Wikipedia: Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing
- WDBJ7: Tin Manufacturing Investment
- Google Search: Tin Production Henry County
- WVVA: Hitachi Energy Investment
- Google Scholar: Hitachi Energy Investment
- Hitachi Energy: US Expansion Press Release
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Manufacturing Awards Banquet
- GlobeNewswire: Wrap Technologies New Facility
- Google News: Manufacturing Day Awards Virginia
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