TCC and VB Economic Development team up to help land Spanish manufacturer

When Tidewater Community College’s Center for Workforce Solutions opened an office next door to Virginia Beach’s Department of Economic Development in Town Center nearly a year ago, the goal was a more robust partnership between the two to lure new businesses to the city.

The announcement on July 6 that a Spanish manufacturing company would build its North American headquarters in Virginia Beach is the most recent win-win made possible by the pair working together, along with another partner, Opportunity, Inc.

SANJO Corte Fino, a metal-stamping manufacturer based in Barcelona, will open a 24,000-square-foot facility near Oceana Naval Air Station in Virginia Beach in 2018. Gov. Terry McAuliffe approved a $250,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist with the project.

“This is definitely the perfect example of why we’re excited TCC is close to us,” said Scott Hall, business development coordinator for Virginia Beach’s Department of Economic Development. “It’s so easy when we’re talking to any company that’s expanding to go next door and find out how TCC can help so we can work together to get it done.”

TCC’s Center for Workforce Solutions offers customized training to new and existing companies, a draw for SANJO, which Hall said is “very, very training-oriented and committed” in that direction.

As SANJO’s biggest market in Europe is the automotive sector, “The advanced manufacturing program at TCC was very, very attractive to them,” Hall said. “They like the way TCC has worked with STIHL Inc., IMS Gear and other manufacturers in our area to create custom training programs.”

TCC will collaborate with SANJO to provide state-of-the-art education, training and services the company will need at its new Virginia Beach operation, said Corey McCray, Vice President for the Center for Workforce Solutions.

“As they move closer to their opening date, we anticipate doing some developmental training for their employees,” McCray said.

In addition to bringing 85 jobs to the city, SANJO will invest $17.5 million establishing its North American presence.

“Having SANJO locate in Virginia Beach means a more diverse Hampton Roads economy,” said John Padgett, chair of the Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance Board of Directors and chair of the TCC College Board. “It strengthens the region’s reputation as a preferred location for European investment, advanced manufacturing and opportunities for a skilled workforce.”