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Economic-development director: site readiness, not demand, often limits distribution center wins
Summary
Christopher Johnson told the Board that James City County competes strongly for industrial and distribution projects but often lacks sites or suitably sized buildings; he highlighted recent and pending investments and said the county continues to market available parks and properties.
Christopher Johnson, director of economic development, briefed the Board on July 22 about distribution centers and industrial development opportunities in James City County, and explained why some nearby localities recently won large distribution projects while James City County was not considered.
Johnson said the Commonwealth's site-selection process starts with state economic development partners and regional organizations (the Hampton Roads Alliance), which forward projects to localities that can meet detailed site criteria. He said that when projects require large, immediately available sites or buildings, James City County is sometimes not included because the county lacks a site that meets a company's size or timing needs.
Johnson reviewed recent local investments: Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace (Norway-based) announced what Johnson described as a $100 million investment and about 180 jobs; Korean firm Navien (initially a $70 million project) has re-engaged to pursue a larger investment on property at Stone House Commerce Park; Owens-Illinois (OI) has invested in equipment and had a broader modernization plan; Ball Metal and Lovett 64 Commerce Center were cited as other assets in the county's industrial portfolio. Johnson said key county industrial parks (Greenmount, James River Commerce Center, Stone House, Hankins) are near capacity and highlighted the Lovett 64 Commerce Center as a new large park with a first-tenant groundbreaking expected later this year.
Johnson emphasized the county's competitive position: access to the Port of Virginia and regional military installations is attractive to companies; county staff respond rapidly to requests for information and coordinate with state and regional partners. He told the board that staff will continue to promote available sites and work with property owners, the Hampton Roads Alliance and state partners to attract investment.
Board members used the discussion to explain to residents that site readiness and project-specific criteria (site size, proximity, owner willingness to sell, timing) drive opportunities. The board and Johnson encouraged residents to use county economic-development channels and local partners for information on site availability and workforce and training programs.
This item was informational; no board action was taken.
