News Article

Bolling lauds Va. plant

Lt. Gov. says container manufacturer is a model of success for other businesses across the state

Tuesday, June 05, 2012
Roger Brown
Bristol Herald Courier

Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling appeared in the Twin City Monday morning to tour American Century LLC, a Beacon Road container manufacturer that began operations last fall and has already earned a number of work contracts and added new employees. "This is really exciting," said Bolling, who was accompanied by his wife, Jean Ann, and numerous American Century and city officials, including City Manager Dewey Cashwell and Mayor Ed Harlow. Bolling said American Century's early success - since opening last September, it has expanded from 12 to 30 full-time employees and has landed numerous private and federal customers - is a model for how Virginia and local communities can partner to attract new businesses across the state. "Both the locality and state worked aggressively [to attract American Century LLC," said Bolling, a Republican who's already declared his candidacy for the 2013 gubernatorial race.

American Century, operated by Knoxville-based businessman Jerry Batts and his wife, company President Julie Scheve, received a blend of grants and incentives from the state, Bristol and Bristol Virginia Utilities to move into the facility. Previously, the site had long been vacant. The company makes a wide range of industrial storage containers and produces as many as 48 per week, said Batts, who also serves as the company's chief financial officer. Batts said American Century has already won contracts from customers across the U.S. and Canada and expects to add more workers throughout diis year. He said the average employee makes from $12 to $22 per hour, in addition to benefits. "We're very pleased with our growth and progress," Batts said.

rbrown@bristolnews.com

For additional information contact Ibbie Hedrick at 804-225-2487 or ibbie.hedrick@ltgov.virginia.gov.