McAllister Mills Inc., a manufacturer of heat-resistant materials for the textile industry, will invest $1.05 million to expand its operations in Grayson County, Virginia, retaining 43 existing jobs and creating 16 new ones.
The Independence, Virginia-based business will buy and renovate a vacant 33,000-square-foot facility which will house new automation and equipment.
“Thirty-five years in Grayson County, McAllister Mills has successfully grown to be a world leader in thermal insulating and fire protection technologies and systems. This growth has been enabled by the strong work ethic and commitment of the employees of McAllister Mills and we are poised to bring new technologies to the market with our upcoming expansion,” president and owner Alec McAllister, said in a statement.
The company — which is eligible to receive state benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development — utilizes advanced fibers from alumina, silica, basalt, glass, aramid and bio-soluble fibers to manufacture insulation blankets, fabric, tapes, ropes and custom fabricated parts built to withstand temperatures ranging from 0 to 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit.
Additional funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.