Carry-On Trailer, a leading manufacturer of steel and utility trailers, will invest $9.2 million to increase capacity at its facility in Westmoreland County, Virginia, Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced June 11. The company will upgrade to a powder coat paint system that will allow it to produce more premium products and increase production to serve growing demand from its northeast customers. Virginia successfully competed with Georgia and Pennsylvania for the project, which will create 60 new jobs, according to the release from the governor’s office.
“We thank Carry-On Trailer, the No. 1 trailer brand in the United States, for its long-term commitment to the Commonwealth of Virginia,” said Gov. Youngkin. “Carry-On has recognized that Virginia is the perfect location to serve their northeast customer base, and this latest expansion of high-quality manufacturing jobs solidifies a strong and successful partnership.”
Carry-On Trailer offers utility, cargo, aluminum, dump, equipment, and specialty trailers along with a full replacement parts program. With corporate headquarters in Lavonia, Ga., and seven manufacturing facilities strategically located throughout the United States, the company boasts nationwide coverage and an award-winning customer service department.
“Carry-On Trailer is thrilled to expand our operations in Westmoreland County,” said Carry-On Trailer General Manager Braden Edwards. “As the No. 1 best-selling brand in America, this investment further underscores our commitment to producing a complete range of trailers and meeting the growing demands of our customers in the northeast. Upgrading to a powder coat paint system will enhance our production capabilities, allowing us to deliver more premium products with greater efficiency. We are grateful for the support from the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and local authorities, and we look forward to contributing to the economic growth of the region.”
Carry-On is the largest employer in in Westmoreland County, and one of the largest in the region.
“Carry-On Trailer is one of the Northern Neck’s largest and valuable private employers and its economic impact is regional and statewide,” said Jerry W. Davis, executive director of the Northern Neck Planning District Commission. ”This corporate investment will allow Carry-On Trailer to expand its market substantially and create additional jobs in the region.”
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Westmoreland County and the Northern Neck Planning District Commission to secure the project for Virginia and will support Carry-On Trailer’s job creation through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program (VJIP), which provides consultative services and funding to companies creating new jobs in order to support employee recruitment and training activities. As a business incentive supporting economic development, VJIP reduces the human resource costs of new and expanding companies. VJIP is state-funded, demonstrating Virginia’s commitment to enhancing job opportunities for citizens. The company is also eligible to receive benefits from The Port of Virginia Economic and Infrastructure Grant Program.