Here’s a roundup of news briefs from around Southwest and Southside. Send yours for possible inclusion to news@cardinalnews.org.
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Plastic wrap manufacturer to open plant in Lynchburg
A maker of plastic stretch film wrap used in industrial packaging and shipping will invest $1.1 million to open a manufacturing facility in Lynchburg, creating 20 jobs, the governor’s office said Tuesday.
Polyzent Trading will begin operations next month, according to a news release from Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s office.
Creating the 20 jobs will take one to two years as the facility ramps up to full capacity, Polyzent founder Dhaivat Patel said in an email to Cardinal News.
The company is at 1000 Robins Road, Building One, in Lynchburg. The Robins Road address was formerly home to Tri-Tech Labs and then KDC/One until the latter closed its Lynchburg operation in 2023.
Polyzen’s automated production line will make 40 to 50 tons of stretch film per month. Such film is an “essential material” for companies using pallets to ship products, according to the news release.
“Local extrusion means shorter lead times, consistent quality, and reduced dependence on foreign stretch-film imports,” Patel said in the news release.
Polyzent is eligible for state support for employee recruitment and training.
“As our manufacturing sector expands, so does the demand for reliable shipping materials to move Virginia-made products to market. By producing high-quality wrap right here in the Commonwealth, Polyzent is amplifying the momentum of our manufacturing boom and helping more businesses succeed in Virginia,” Youngkin said in the news release.
— Matt Busse
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Youngkin announces board appointments
Gov. Glenn Youngkin has announced additional state board appointments, including several residents of Southwest and Southside:
A.L. Philpott Manufacturing Extension Partnership Board of Trustees: Megan Lucas of Lynchburg, CEO and chief economic development officer, Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance.
Virginia Board of Workforce Development: Paul Denham of Lynchburg, CEO, Southern Air Inc.
Board of Trustees of the Roanoke Higher Education Authority: Mary Yolanda Trigiani of Roanoke, chief strategy officer and director of external relations, Virginia Tech Foundation Inc.