Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell announced on Tuesday that Morooka America, under a license agreement with Japan-based Morooka Co., Ltd, a manufacturer of rubber track carriers, will establish a manufacturing operation in Hanover County.
The first Morooka Track Carrier plant in the U.S., along with its sister company Virginia Steel Specialties LLC, will establish two product assembly operations.
"The United States has become Morooka Japan's leading export destination," said company president Masami Morooka. "I am proud to have the Morooka carrier built here in America."
The facilities will encompass 50,000 square feet and an output of 100 machines annually valued at more than $15 million. The project will create up to 50 new jobs over the next three years. Morooka offers six different models of equipment that have a range of uses from clearing land for pipeline installation to agricultural applications.
"The new Morooka America production facility is an important strategic move for the Morooka product line in the Western Hemisphere, and we are thrilled that the company chose Virginia for its first U.S. location. The new plant will build two of the most popular models in the company's line, and is a welcome addition to the corporate base in Hanover County," said Governor McDonnell.
According to Jim Cheng, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade the company chose this Virginia location due to "the proximity to major interstates, available infrastructure and central location."
Morooka America is a subsidiary of the Richmond Group LLC, a holding company for construction-related firms geared around the Morooka product and located in Ashland, Virginia.
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Hanover County and the Greater Richmond Partnership to secure the project for Virginia. Through its Virginia Jobs Investment Program, the Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide funding and services to support the company's recruitment, training and retraining activities.
