BEVERLY — Local, state and federal officials joined with employees and operators of Armstrong Flooring near Elkins last week to announce a $2.5 million grant from the Economic Development Administration.
The announcement was made at an event that included U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va. and EDA Acting head Dennis Alvord, as well as local business and development leaders.
Sen. Capito and others said the EDA grant will support the expansion of Armstrong Flooring, a manufacturing facility located in Beverly. As Randolph County’s largest manufacturing employer, this investment is expected to create 50 new jobs, retain 60 jobs and generate approximately $16.2 million in private investment. The project also includes a partnership with the Randolph County Development Authority to add 85,000 square feet and create a distribution center enabling the company to consolidate storage of its finished flooring products at the plant, instead of shipping the product to offsite distribution centers. The expansion has the potential to create up to 50 new jobs in the next decade, according to officials.
The Armstrong visit was followed by a trip to the Wood Technology Center in Elkins where Sen. Capito joined EDA officials, local leaders and grant awardees to announce an additional $8.235 million in funding from EDA. These grant awards will support statewide projects furthering manufacturing, entrepreneurship, infrastructure and planning.
“Improving our economy starts by revitalizing our communities and creating job opportunities for West Virginians. That’s because economic growth starts at the local level. For several years, I have urged EDA to renew its focus and invest in West Virginia,” said Sen. Capito. “Whether its manufacturing, entrepreneurship or tourism, vibrant local communities are vital to the strength of our state’s economy. These public-private partnerships will fuel growth and make West Virginia the best place to live and work.”
