Amherst, VA – Bucking Common Wisdom

“Our lowest freight costs nationwide are in Amherst, Virginia.”

We didn’t expect to hear that on our recent visit to Glad Manufacturing. However, unexpected bonuses are becoming the norm in this community nestled in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Located near Lynchburg and Charlottesville at a hub of American conveying and material handling expertise, with over 45,000 university students and exceptional workforce development programs, the region rivals any for advanced manufacturing and modern logistics resources. Bucking common wisdom, Amherst’s location at a four lane divided highway puts it at the hub of a transportation network leading to several interstates, rather than being along just one.

Amherst and The Hollingsworth Companies have partnered to provide new industrial facilities at the Brockman Business and Industrial Park. Pre-permitting and an execution plan assure that industrial buildings can be ready in as little as six months, with flexible financial terms to lease or purchase. A prototypical building will feature wide column spacing, clear heights of over 30 feet, laser leveled high strength industrial floors, and energy efficient lighting systems.

Communities like Amherst are the reason that household names like J. Crew and Glad Manufacturing call the region home. And, we have a sneaking feeling that they have discovered a lot more than lower freight costs.

“Joe Hollingsworth participated as one of our first equity investors. In addition, Joe Hollingsworth has served as a board member and leading advisor for strategic planning and direction.” — Scott Kelley, President and CEO, Service Center Metals