Richmond, VA - Governor Tim Kaine released the following statement today on the bipartisan recognition of the success of Rolls Royce’s manufacturing facility in Prince George County:
“When Rolls-Royce decided to locate its facility in Prince George County, I called the choice a strong affirmation of the talent and professionalism of our educated, high-tech workforce and Virginia's global competitiveness. Rolls Royce is one of the world’s most innovative manufacturers and President Obama’s planned visit to the facility this week, along with Governor McDonnell’s announcement of a possible expansion, shows again that a talented workforce is critical to economic development and job creation. This bipartisan recognition and potential expansion are proof that smart investments can pay dividends in new jobs, significant international investment, and further recognition of Virginia as a world class place to do business.
“When I worked on economic development deals as Governor, companies consistently told me they chose the Commonwealth because of our highly skilled workforce, strong educational and training institutions, balanced regulatory and taxation environment, and international assets. These were my priorities as governor, they are the priorities that have made Virginia successful, and they are part of the talent economy I want to build at the federal level. Our country cannot have the economic future we want unless we have the most talented workforce in the world. Virginia success stories, like Rolls Royce and many others, show that this approach can and must be successful at the national level.”
Background:
In 2007, Governor Kaine announced that Virginia had successfully competed with several other states to secure a commitment from Rolls Royce to build a state-of-the-art aeroengine facility in Prince George County, Virginia. According to a release issued by Governor Kaine's office, "Initially, the company will invest $100 million to establish an assembly and test facility for its civil aerospace operations. Over time, the company has options to invest up to $500 million to support future advanced manufacturing as opportunities arise for its defense and civil aerospace businesses. The projects will create 500 new jobs. Virginia successfully competed with Georgia, Indiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina and Texas, as well as locations around the world, for the projects.” [Office of Governor Kaine Press Release, 11/20/07]
Kaine Approved $3 Million In Governor’s Opportunity Funding To Assist Prince George County In Attracting Rolls-Royce. A press release from the Office of Governor Kaine said, “Governor Kaine approved Governor's Opportunity Funding in the amount of $3 million for each of the two projects to assist Prince George County. The company is eligible to receive state benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program and Community Development Block Grant funding, both administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide training assistance through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program, assisted by a Virginia Community College System senior level manager to coordinate the delivery of workforce services.” Office of Governor Kaine Press Release, 11/20/07]
Kaine: “Rolls-Royce's Decision To Locate These Operations Here Is Strong Affirmation Of The Talent And Professionalism Of Our Educated, High-Tech Workforce And Virginia's Competitiveness Globally.” A press release from the Office of Governor Kaine said, “‘Roll-Royce's investment is transformational for the Commonwealth of Virginia and the future of our economy,’ said Governor Kaine. ‘The company, which operates in four global markets, will bring international focus to our state's aerospace industry as well as the research and development capabilities of our universities. Rolls-Royce's decision to locate these operations here is strong affirmation of the talent and professionalism of our educated, high-tech workforce and Virginia's competitiveness globally.’" [Office of Governor Kaine Press Release, 11/20/07]
Rolls-Royce North America CEO Praised Virginia’s Education System And Said “We're Here For The People.” The Richmond Times-Dispatch said the following in an editorial: “‘We're here for the people,’ said James Guyette, CEO of Rolls-Royce North America, which is based in Northern Virginia. (The parent company is British, of course.) ‘We think this is the place where we can have the right kind of relationships.’ Guyette went out of his way to praise the region's school systems and the state's community colleges and universities, especially UVa and Virginia Tech. ‘In this business, you never know what's next,’ he said. ‘This is not about building a box. We found people here that could work with us.’ The initial phase will include a plant that focuses on a new generation of engines for corporate and regional jets, as well as possible work for the Pentagon's Joint Strike Fighter.” [Editorial, Richmond Times-Dispatch, 11/21/07]
Rolls-Royce Saw Long-term Growth Potential In Central Virginia And The CFO Noted The Importance Of Their “Highly Educated Work Force.” The Richmond Times-Dispatch said the following in an editorial: “Rolls-Royce sees the potential for long-term growth in Central Virginia. That's one reason it bought 1,000 acres. ‘We're a long lead-time business. Our products live 25 years,’ said William Powers, the chief financial officer. ‘We have a highly educated work force.’" [Editorial, Richmond Times-Dispatch, 11/21/07]
Kaine On Rolls-Royce: “The Opportunity To Host This Global Company In Our State Doesn't Come Along Every Day . . . We Are Players Globally.” The Progress-Index reported, “Rolls-Royce, a multinational aerospace company, announced plans Tuesday for a new $170 million production-and-testing facility for its next-generation jet aircraft engines. Ultimately, Rolls-Royce could invest up to $500 million in the facility. Gov. Timothy M. Kaine; U.S. Rep. J. Randy Forbes, R-4th; and other officials celebrated the team effort that convinced Rolls- Royce to bring up to 500 jobs to the Tri-City area. ‘The opportunity to host this global company in our state doesn't come along every day,’ Kaine said before a packed room in the Virginia Capitol. He said the state faced significant competition, not only from seven other states, but from other nations. ‘We can look at a global marketplace with confidence and optimism,’ Kaine said. ‘We are players globally.’ The governor's team -- including Forbes; Virginia Speaker of the House William J. ‘Bill’ Howell, R-28th; and members of the cabinet - - put forward ‘a very impressive incentive package,’ he said. That package included $3 million from Kaine's economic development fund for two projects on the site, plus benefits from other state entities. Rolls-Royce's initial investment will total $170 million and require 100 highly trained employees, Kaine said. It is committed to 500 new jobs and $500 million in capital investment in Prince George's enterprise zone in the long run.” [The Progress – Index, 11/21/07]
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