The facility consists of two buildings, one at 40,000ft2 and a second at 60,000ft2 (3,716m2 and 5,572m2, respectively) for manufacturing as well as assembly of structures.
During the November 3 opening ceremony and tour, roof-hung and floor-mounted structures were on display as the facility gets started; the roof-hung structure was for 60in (152.4cm) belt width and complete with 6in diameter three-roll, 35° troughing idlers and two roll ‘v’ return idler assemblies, and the floor-mounted structure was 54in belt width of catenary three-roll design with 5in diameter rolls and tubular sides.
“Jennmar Conveyors is well placed for the future in moving into this large, well-equipped plant,” officials said. “The combination of the wide range of Fenner Dunlop conveyor belting and the new line of Jennmar Conveyors structure brings together two highly respected names and allows solutions to be provided for both large and small conveying projects primarily throughout the coal mining industry, as well as the automotive, aviation, construction, electronics and transportation industries. The opening of the new plant clearly shows Jennmar’s optimistic view of the coal mining industry both today and in the years ahead.”
JM Conveyors, which will operate as an affiliate of Jennmar, received US$2 million in grant funding to assist with its start-up costs. The company said it will be the country’s largest distributor of conveyor belting through its alliance partnership with Fenner Dunlop.
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) worked with Russell County and the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) to secure the project. VCEDA approved a loan of $1.5 million to the Industrial Development Authority of Russell County towards the purchase and equipping of the buildings, and a grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund of $100,000 was made available. In addition, the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission approved $215,000 in funds for the company.
Funds for training activities are being provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program administered by VEDP.
The plant currently employs 21, and another 20 will be hired in the near future.
