A joint venture of Blue Star Manufacturing and American Glove Innovations (AGI) plans to invest $714.1 million in a nitrile rubber and glove plant at Progress Park in Wythe County, Virginia.
Gov. Ralph Northam announced the project on October 4, 2021. The plant is projected to employ about 2,500 people and make up to 60 billion medical gloves a year within three to five years.
Key details
- The plant will make nitrile butadiene rubber as well as the gloves.
- The gloves are to be exclusively made in USA. Today they are made mainly in Asia.
- Virginia is spending $8.5 million on water, sewer and wastewater upgrades at the park.
- The companies plan to train workers with Wytheville Community College and recruit graduates from Virginia Tech.
“This is about investing to bring jobs back to the United States from overseas, and doing it right here in rural America.”
Gov. Ralph Northam
FAQ
How big is the investment?
$714.1 million.
How many jobs?
About 2,500.
How many gloves?
Up to 60 billion a year within three to five years.
Source & credit
Source: WSLS 10, October 4, 2021: “Two companies set to invest more than $700 million, bringing an estimated 2,500 jobs to Wythe County”.