Valmiera Glass USA Corp Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

March 26, 2015

The Honorable Latvian Ambassador to the United States, Andris Razāns and the Mayor of Valmiera, the Honorable Jānis Baiks, joined state and local officials today to celebrate the ribbon cutting and dedicate a new 80,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility that will serve as the North American headquarters of Valmiera Glass USA Corp.  The project, which Georgia Governor Nathan Deal announced in July of 2014 will consist of 150 new jobs in Laurens County and a capital investment of $20 million.  In the initial press release, Governor Deal noted, “This project represents the first substantial investment from  Latvia – one of the Baltic States, which underscores the fact that Georgia’s thriving automotive and aerospace industries are gaining attention in the international marketplace.”

The ribbon cutting was attended by local elected officials, members of the Dublin-Laurens County Development Authority and other partners involved in the project.  Evans Construction served as the company’s general, contractor along with Laurens County which contributed the site work.  Subcontractors throughout Middle Georgia provided services, and many of the company representatives attended the ceremony.

“Valmiera Glass Group sales increase in North America every year with 14 percent of the total turnover of the company exported directly to the United States and Canada,” said Andre Heinz Schwiontek, board member and vice president of Valmiera Glass Group Joint-Stock company Valmieras stikla šķiedra.  “Now we will have the ability to efficiently reach our current customers and grow our customer base. This manufacturing facility will provide new opportunities and strengthen Valmiera Glass Group’s position in the global marketplace.” 

Valmiera Glass USA Corp is yet another success story in international recruitment for Middle Georgia.  Development Authority board thanked company officials for the investment in Dublin and Laurens County as well as assisting the local economic development team with securing new projects and investment going forward.  “Today was a wonderful day for this community,” said Dr. Fred Williams, Chairman of the Dublin-Laurens County Development Authority.  “Valmiera has made good on all of their commitments to this community, and they have already proven to be a great corporate citizen.”  

About Valmiera Glass Group
As a major international producer of glass fiber fabrics for many technical applications, Valmiera Glass Group operates a quality control system that fulfills strict international requirements for a variety of industrial markets including composites, thermal and technical insulation and construction industries. Valmiera Glass Group products benefit from innovative production and application technology, plus the most up-to-date manufacturing facilities.

Valmiera Glass Group consists of three companies, Valmiera Glass UK Ltd, located in the United Kingdom and Joint-Stock company Valmieras stikla šķiedra located in the city of Valmiera in Latvia, and Valmiera Glass USA Corp. JSC Valmieras stikla šķiedra and the city of Valmiera are the origins of the company’s brand name and the location of the group's head office.

About DLCDA
The Dublin-Laurens County Development Authority is a publicly funded economic development organization with the mission of providing industrial recruitment efforts, and promoting and supporting existing industries in Dublin-Laurens County. Over the past five years, the DLCDA has participated in the creation of over 947 new jobs with a corresponding capital investment of $183 million. The Authority has also assisted with key expansions with a number of existing industries. The DLCDA Board consists of Dr. Fred Williams, Chairman; Roger Folsom, Vice-Chairman; Phil Gay, Secretary/Treasurer; Jimmy Allgood, Scott Beasley, Guy Cochran, and James Malone.
For more information, visit http://www.dublinlaurensgeorgia.com.