Company Brings New Jobs

A Netherlands-based company and Swedwood supplier will build its first U.S. operation in Pittsylvania County.

The Axxion Group will invest nearly $5 million to establish an Axxor North America manufacturing site in Ringgold East Industrial Park, announced Gov. Bob McDonnell and Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade Jim Cheng on Friday. The project will create 31 new jobs.

“The bottom line is Axxor will add to the county’s tax base, occupy a vacant building and bring much needed employment opportunities to the citizens of Pittsylvania County and Danville,” said Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors Chairman Tim Barber in a statement.

Axxor makes honeycomb from all-natural paper and water-soluble glue. The hexagonal shape gives the lightweight material optimal surface area and strength, explained Axxor North America co-owner andPresident Robert Boerrigter. While the honeycomb is used in packaging, doors and automotive parts, it is also a core component of about 90 percent of the Ikea furniture made in Swedwood.

“Axxor production in Ringgold will allow us to source one of our main raw materials within one mile of our plant,” said Swedwood site manager Ken Brown.

The proximity not only supports Swedwood’s growth, but reduces the carbon footprint by reducing shipping distance.

The move to the United States also positions the Axxion Group, which has factories in the Netherlands andPoland, for future growth as the world comes to realize the benefits of honeycomb, which is a green product,Boerrigter said. Paper will come from U.S. suppliers.

“We hope to find a lot of companies in this area that can make use of our product,” he said.

Axxor aims to start production by the end of January, so hiring would begin around December, Boerrigtersaid. The company is starting with one shift and hopes to add more quickly.

Several incentives attracted Axxor to Ringgold, including $100,000 from the Virginia Tobacco Commission,$50,000 from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund and workforce training help.

Both U.S. Rep. Robert Hurt, R-5th District, and State Sen. Bill Stanley were glad to hear manufacturing coming back to the nation and Southside.

“As we know, foundations are built brick by brick and this is yet another brick in the new foundation of returning economic prosperity to Southside,” Stanley.

“Everyone is concerned obviously about the state of our economy. Everyone is concerned about the future,” Hurt said. “What wonderful, wonderful news it is to see that we’ll be creating 31 jobs with the faith and investment of Axxor here in Ringgold, here in Southside Virginia.”

For more information about Axxor, visit www.Axxor.eu.