Governor Comes to Danville for JTI Grand Opening

Source from:  GoDanRiver Staff 09/26/2010

Gov. Bob McDonnell and JTI Leaf Services today announced the grand opening of JTI Leaf Services, a Danville-based operation that will procure and process U.S. leaf tobacco. The opening of the facility has created 32 full-time and 140 seasonal jobs, according to a news release. "We've worked hard over the last year to get the facility up and running," said Steve Daniels, President of JTI Leaf Services in the release. "We've been fortunate enough to tap into Danville's rich tobacco heritage and seasoned workforce, and are excited that today marks the start of our operations here. We look forward to becoming a continued part of the Danville community." The opening ceremony included McDonnell, JTI Chief Operating Officer Tom McCoy, Japan Tobacco President of Tobacco Business Mitsuomi Koizumi and Consul-General of Japan Takuji Hanatani. The opening of the facility follows last fall's announcement that the company would be locating in Danville. This operation is a joint venture between JTI, Hail & Cotton and J.E.B., and is responsible for procuring and processing U.S. leaf tobacco. The joint venture gives JTI access to top-quality flue-cured and burley tobacco from the southeastern United States, and will help ensure that top-quality leaf continues to be available now and in the future, the release stated. "Virginia - and especially Danville - is pleased to welcome JTI Leaf Services," said McDonnell. "The company has stimulated growth, new jobs and development in this area, and in turn we've provided them with seasoned workers with tremendous expertise in the tobacco industry. We look forward to a long-standing continued partnership, and wish the company much success." The JTI Leaf Services facility, located at Stinson Drive and River Park Drive, consists of 2 properties: the factory of 256,000 square feet situated on 56.7 acres of land and a building of 158,000 square feet. It will serve as JTI Leaf Services' head office as well as host tobacco receiving, processing and finished product storage. Enditem