FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 20, 2018
RICHMOND—Governor Ralph Northam today announced that ComSonics, Inc., a world-class design, manufacturing, sales, and repair solutions provider for electronics and fiber optics, will invest $615,000 to expand its manufacturing operation in Augusta County. The company will purchase new equipment and make facility improvements to allow for additional space. In conjunction with this project, 34 new jobs will be created over a three-year period.
“ComSonics has been a valuable corporate partner to the Commonwealth for nearly 50 years, with a thriving headquarters and manufacturing operation in the Shenandoah Valley,” said Governor Northam. “The region’s favorable operating costs, skilled talent, proximity to esteemed higher education institutions, and outstanding quality of life continue to attract many different companies. We thank ComSonics for choosing to reinvest in Augusta County and expand its Weyers Cave manufacturing operation.”
ComSonics is the global leader in proactive plant maintenance solutions, ensuring cable plant integrity through innovative products and electronic and fiber optic repair services. Headquartered in Harrisonburg, Virginia, the company is an employee-owned corporation with roots stretching to the late 1960s, when Dr. Warren Braun founded the company in the basement of his home. ComSonics’ proudly builds products and provides services to the following industries: aerospace, cable/broadband, communications, computing, defense, medical, meteorology, public safety, power monitoring, and rail.
“ComSonics’ longtime success in the Shenandoah Valley is a strong testament to the region’s pipeline of talent and competitive business climate,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball. “This industry leader’s impressive growth across its operations in the Commonwealth and throughout the U.S. makes ComSonics a great Virginia success story, and we look forward to our continued partnership.”
“As our story goes, Dr. Braun founded ComSonics in Harrisonburg because it was his home, and he had great affection for the Shenandoah Valley and its hardworking people,” said ComSonics COO Bret Harrison. “His location decision has proven fortuitous, as ComSonics has benefited through the years from Harrisonburg and Augusta County’s growth and that of supporting educative opportunities. Our Virginia workforce today includes both employees with professional business and technical skills, many developed locally through James Madison University, Blue Ridge Community College, and specialized vocational training. ComSonics’ ability to help develop curriculum content and certificate-based programs have ensured our workforce and business excels.”
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) will support ComSonics, Inc.’s new job creation through its Virginia Jobs Investment Program (VJIP). VJIP provides consultative services and funding to companies creating new jobs or experiencing a technological change to support employee 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 its citizens.
ComSonics is a 2017 graduate of VEDP’s award-winning Virginia Leaders in Export Trade (VALET) Program. VALET is an application-based, two-year international export acceleration program.
“When a company such as ComSonics expands, we see the strength of our economy and the dedication of our business leaders,” said Gerald Garber, Chair of the Augusta County Board of Supervisors and representative of the Middle River Magisterial District, where ComSonics is located. “What a powerful statement it sends when a company headquartered in Harrisonburg with manufacturing in Augusta County chooses to continue growing in the same region.”
“ComSonics has a proud history in the City of Harrisonburg,” said Mayor of the City of Harrisonburg Deanna Reed. “For nearly 50 years, this innovative technology company has invested in our community and employed many Valley citizens. We are so pleased that ComSonics continues to grow and expand in the Shenandoah Valley.”
“As with other recent announcements touting expansion here in the Valley, the word is out,” said Senator Emmett Hanger. “Our area offers a multitude of benefits for manufacturing and IT operations. We have the skilled workforce and a type of lifestyle here that is sought after. I am very excited to see ComSonics continue to grow and bring quality jobs and a solid working environment for the area.”
“Congratulations to ComSonics, Inc. on the expansion of its manufacturing operation in Augusta County,” said Delegate R. Steven Landes. “The purchase of new equipment and facility improvements will allow for additional space and lead to the creation of 34 new jobs over a three-year period. I am pleased to see ComSonics expand its Weyers Cave facility utilizing the Virginia Economic Development Partnership’s Virginia Jobs Investment Program. As a global leader in proactive plant maintenance solutions, it is no surprise to see ComSonics thrive in the Shenandoah Valley. I wish them continued growth and success.”
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