Amthor International was joined today by Pittsylvania County officials and community leaders to celebrate the start of construction on its new 33,000 square foot facility in the Gretna Industrial Park.This new plant is part of Amthor’s $30 million capital plan, representing more than $4 million in investments and the addition of 75 new jobs with this stand-alone facility. The capital plan also includes investments in equipment and inventory, allowing Amthor to meet a growing demand for its products.
A family-owned, fourth generation business, Amthor International manufactures truck-mounted tanks, to include those used for the refined fuel, propane, mining, vacuum and septic, portable restroom, water, well-drilling and construction industries. Amthor established its footprint in Gretna in 1992 when it built its first manufacturing plant here. That was followed by a second expansion in 2018, when the company relocated its corporate headquarters to the Gretna plant. The second expansion brought more than $2.5 million in investments and the creation of 90 new positions.
With this third expansion, Amthor will have more than 200 employees, making it one of the leading employers in central Pittsylvania County.
Amthor International is excited that the construction of this new facility will bring more job opportunities to the County, and the company is hiring mechanics, electricians, painters and welders as part of this expansion. Starting wages are based on experience but range from $45,000 to $50,000 a year with 100% paid health insurance, paid time off and more.
This third expansion was also aided by James Garner and Tradesman Trucking, which modified its plans to build its own new building to assist Amthor with moving its project forward.
“It’s gratifying to know that this world-class company, which is the largest tank truck manufacturer in North America, has not only made its home in Pittsylvania County and the town of Gretna but has continued to invest in its future here. We appreciate the message of confidence that this sends to the County,” said Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors Chairman Darrell Dalton.
“The Town of Gretna and the Gretna community are truly proud and blessed that we have an internationally recognized company like Amthor call Gretna, Virginia home. The commitment and partnership that the Amthor Family has shown to us over the last 30 plus years is greatly valued by the Gretna community and it always gives me tremendous pride to be able to tell others that they are a part of our town and community,” said Keith Motley, Mayor, Town of Gretna.
Motley continued, “Often when I am boarding a plane to travel and see a tanker truck fueling the plane for my destination, I cannot help but smile and think that it was very possible that tanker was made in my town of Gretna, Virginia. Thank you, Amthor for continuing to be a part of Gretna and for expanding your operations here and continuing to be a part of our community business family.”
“I want to commend and congratulate Amthor International for its steadfast business and their commitment to Gretna, their current and future employees, and to the local community. As a family-owned business owner myself, I can attest to the long hours and struggles that family businesses experience. Having their third expansion since 1992 is a testament to Amthor’s ability to make wise decisions while keeping up with market changes and meeting the needs of its partners,” said Delegate Eric Phillips, Virginia House of Delegates, 48th District.
“The future is brighter in our region as we celebrate the groundbreaking for the newest expansion of Amthor International. It is exciting to see the construction of a second manufacturing plant in a new facility. Amthor, a solid fourth generation family-owned business, has consistently provided quality tankers and quality jobs for the community. We thank them for their important contribution to the local economy and wish them continued great success,” said Delegate Danny Marshall, Virginia House of Delegates, 49th District, Tobacco Commission.
“This expansion also showcases the unique partnership between Amthor International, the Town of Gretna, your IDA, and Pittsylvania County. This relationship dates back more than thirty years when Amthor decided to build its manufacturing plant here. Your Industrial Development Authority thanks the Town of Gretna for its assistance with Amthor’s growth by selling the company the ground which we break today. Also, we thank Tradesman Trucking for its strategic role in today’s festivities. James Garner and Tradesman Trucking sacrificed their plans to build their own new building and instead chose to facilitate Amthor’s expansion. This spirit of teamwork exemplifies the best of all that is Pittsylvania County,” said Dr. Joey Faucette, Chairman, Pittsylvania County Industrial Development Authority.
“This expansion has been a work in progress for many years and it will help solidify us even more as a leader in the truck tank manufacturing business here in North America. Being able to now have two manufacturing facilities will help with the increased demand for our products across the globe. No matter where Amthor goes from here, every single tank truck will be made and completed here in Gretna, Virginia,” said Brian Amthor, Executive Vice President, Amthor International.
Amthor also credited James Gardner and Tradesman Trucking with helping to move the project forward.
“I join Tradesman Trucking and Tradesman XDR along with its employees in collaborating with Amthor International, not only to expand Amthor’s operations here locally, but our collaborative efforts will go a long way into building deeper relationships and growing new opportunities into this wonderful community,” said James Garner, Managing Partner of Tradesman Trucking.
“We are blessed by a town that is so supportive and thankful and honored that we are the first shovel of soil towards building out this park,” Garner said.
To learn more about employment opportunities at Amthor International, click here.