McAirlaid's Vliesstoffe GmbH & Co. KG, a German manufacturer of non-woven composite materials for absorbency end uses, recently announced that it will invest $85 million to open its first North American manufacturing facility and corporate headquarters in Franklin County's Commerce Center. The new facility, which will use the company's patented method to produce non-woven material without chemicals or glues, will employ 160 people.

McAirlaid's Vliesstoffe GmbH & Co. KG, headquartered in Steinfurt, Germany, with manufacturing facilities located in Berlingerode and Heiligenstadt, Germany, is a privately-held manufacturer of the latest innovative technology in non-woven absorbent materials used in a variety of products in the healthcare and medical/medical device, food and hygiene industries.

"Franklin County's commitment to education through the public school system and job training programs, coupled with an existing workforce of highly motivated people with a strong work ethic, were key factors in McAirlaid's site selection, said Alexander Maksimow, CEO of McAirlaid's Vliesstoffe. "In combination with an emphasis on improving quality of life with recreational opportunities, conservation of the area's natural beauty, and an equitable tax structure, Franklin County is a natural fit for McAirlaid's."

In addition to local incentives of approximately $2.5 million and 30 acres at the Commerce Center, Virginia Gov. Timothy Kaine approved a $500,000 grant from the Governor's Opportunity Fund to assist Franklin County with the project. The Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission approved $500,000 in Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds for the project.

The Virginia Department of Business Assistance also will support the project with training assistance through its Workforce Services Jobs Investment Program.

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