Last Thursday, Rubbermaid Commercial Products (RCP) announced it will create 71 new jobs and invest $67.25 million to expand its manufacturing operations in Winchester and establish a new distribution center in nearby Frederick County. The company has a longstanding relationship with the Commonwealth, as Winchester has also served as the company’s headquarters location since 1968.

The expansion in Winchester will allow the company to increase its production capabilities and improve its energy efficiency by replacing older equipment with state-of-the-art injection molding equipment. In Frederick County, the company is taking over the now-vacant G.E. Lighting facility and will convert this into an updated 454,000-square-foot global logistics center. The availability of a suitable logistics facility close to the company’s headquarters certainly aided the Commonwealth in securing this project.

Known for its leading commercial cleaning and sanitation products, RCP’s growth includes both domestic and global customers, such as Shangri-La Hotels worldwide and the Hong Kong Airport. Virginia’s superior logistics capabilities were a critical advantage in winning this deal. Both locations provide convenient access to I-66 and I-81, and with the Virginia Inland Port only a few miles away, the company can access international markets through the Port of Virginia.   

The Winchester-Frederick County area is quickly becoming a hub for global manufacturing companies. O’Sullivan Films, Federal-Mogul, Kraft Foods, H.P. Hood and Thermo-Fisher Scientific are just a few of the leading manufacturers that have chosen to expand operations in the area. To learn more about Virginia’s manufacturing capabilities and why these companies said yes to Virginia click here.