For decades, Southwest Virginia was defined by its coal industry — an economic powerhouse that sustained communities and created prosperity for generations. As the energy landscape has shifted, so too has the economic fate of the region. Yet, rather than accepting decline, Southwest Virginia is reclaiming its economic strength through the Energy Storage and Electrification Manufacturing Jobs Project — bringing back jobs, revitalizing manufacturing and ensuring American industry remains second to none.
We at Lawrence Brothers, Inc., are thrilled to be part of this project — as well as for the continued hands-on collaboration that is already revitalizing and diversifying manufacturing in Southwest Virginia. Lawrence Brothers is a third-generation, family-owned and operated metal fabrication company in Bluefield, Virginia, that was established in 1974 to serve the coal industry. As part of the ESEM Project, our company has diversified into producing battery boxes for the warehousing sector, proving that legacy businesses can find success in alternative markets.
The U.S. Economic Development Administration has been a key partner in our efforts — but now, Congress is considering deep cuts to the agency’s budget, and the president has proposed eliminating it entirely. The EDA and the commonwealth of Virginia have backed the ESEM Project — an initiative driven by the private sector to help legacy energy and mining manufacturers diversify their businesses into emerging markets such as energy storage, electrification, warehousing and aviation.
By harnessing the incredible talent of American workers, the strength of local manufacturers and the existing infrastructure, ESEM is turning hardship into opportunity — keeping Southwest Virginia at the forefront of the energy industry, now powered by the cutting-edge technologies of the future.
At its core, the ESEM Project has two primary goals. First, it seeks to enhance business resilience by supporting existing manufacturers in refining company operations, addressing workforce challenges and strengthening supply chains. Since its inception in 2021, the project has yielded $9.13 million in cost savings for participating companies and facilitated $13.6 million in new investments in plants and equipment, helping manufacturers streamline operations and expand their production capacity.
Second, it aims to diversify and expand market opportunities, guiding companies as they transition into high-growth industries such as battery storage systems, electrified transportation and renewable energy infrastructure. These efforts are projected to generate $22.3 million in new sales and $12.8 million in retained sales, demonstrating the project’s effectiveness in ensuring long-term economic sustainability. This secures existing jobs while creating new, high-skilled positions that align with the evolving demands of the energy economy.
The impact of the ESEM Project has been profound. In Southwest Virginia, companies like ours, once anchored to coal-related manufacturing, are now retooling their operations to meet the rising demand for battery enclosures, energy storage systems, and electric vehicle components.
Both of my grandfathers were coal miners. One immigrated from Italy, served in World War II, and later worked in Gary 14 near Welch, West Virginia. The other left the mines to found Lawrence Brothers, Inc. in 1974. What began as a three-person welding shop has grown into an 80,000-square-foot facility employing 125 people. For decades, we served the coal industry almost exclusively. Today, we manufacture battery boxes for the motive power and ground support sectors, and we’re expanding thanks to our dedicated LBI team members and our commitment to innovation through advanced manufacturing and robotics.
We’re not alone. One neighboring company is now adapting its metal enclosures for energy storage systems. Another is exploring how its low-clearance mining vehicles can be repurposed for airport ground support — fueling aircraft and handling baggage. These stories, rooted in grit and ingenuity, show that coalfield communities are not just resilient — they’re ready to lead the next chapter of American manufacturing.
Notably, all of these investments and ESEM company support initiatives are expected to create 67 new jobs and retain 73 existing jobs. All of this was achieved with just over $1 million in public investment — state and federal grants — to support local Appalachian companies.
As policymakers and business leaders look to expand this model, Southwest Virginia stands as a beacon of what’s possible when traditional industries are empowered to evolve, American workers are supported, and rural communities are equipped to compete in the global economy of the 21st century.
We urge our political leadership — at both the state and federal levels — to maintain strong support for the U.S. Economic Development Administration and state economic development agencies. These institutions have funded and catalyzed transformation across our region, and sustained investment is essential to keep that momentum going — not only in Southwest Virginia, but in rural communities nationwide.
Melanie Protti-Lawrence is the owner and president of Lawrence Brothers, Inc. She serves on the board of the Tazewell County Industrial Development Authority, as well as the GoVirginia Region One Executive Board. The ESEM Jobs Initiative is led by Adam Wells of Appalachian Voices and Vivek Shinde Patil of Ascent Virginia and managed by Billie Roberts of Resolute AG Consulting in Southwest Virginia. The partnership includes a strategic coalition of local and state community stakeholders, including Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, Cumberland Plateau Planning District Commission and GENEDGE. The effort is funded by the Thompson Charitable Foundation, GO Virginia and the US Economic Development Administration.
