Tazewell County-based mining manufacturer expanding its operations into neighboring Russell
Jul. 9—A Tazewell County-based specialty mining equipment manufacturer is maintaining its existing facilities in Tazewell County while expanding its operations into neighboring Russell County.
The announcement was made Monday by Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who said Simmons Equipment Company will invest $8.5 million to expand its operations into Russell County, creating 75 new jobs for the Southwest Virginia region.
Youngkin said Simmons Equipment Company will also maintain its existing facilities and employees in Tazewell County.
Virginia successfully competed against Tennessee and West Virginia for the expansion project, according to Youngkin.
“We thank Simmons Equipment Company for their continued commitment to Southwest Virginia and the Commonwealth,” Youngkin said in a prepared statement. “This expansion demonstrates that manufacturing growth continues to accelerate, and Virginia offers the strategic location to meet growing demand from international customers.”
Founded in Tazewell County in 2005, Simmons Equipment Company is a soft rock mining equipment manufacturer that employs cutting-edge engineering and technology, according to the governor’s office. The company manufactures a wide range of equipment for the soft rock mining sector, including battery and diesel-powered scoops, haulers, and longwall support vehicles. The expansion will also allow for further product line expansion at the new site.
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Russell County and the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) to secure the project for Virginia. Youngkin approved a $270,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist Russell County with the expansion project. The company is also eligible to receive state benefits from the Major Business Facility Job Tax Credit for new, full-time jobs created, Youngkin’s office said.
“We are thrilled to be expanding our operations into Russell County,” Simmons Equipment Company President/CEO Matt Simmons said. “Our business has been growing into new markets worldwide, and this additional manufacturing capacity will allow us to aggressively pursue those opportunities. After an extensive search, we are excited to continue our growth here in Southwest Virginia. We were highly impressed with the efforts of the Russell County Industrial Development Authority, the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, and the Commonwealth of Virginia to support us in this exciting endeavor.”
VCEDA issued a statement Monday applauding the expansion announcement.
“On behalf of the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, we would like to congratulate Simmons Equipment Company on this wonderful expansion project,” said VCEDA Executive Director Jonathan Belcher. “VCEDA has been pleased to assist Simmons to grow and expand in the past, and on the current project, VCEDA has approved a $187,500 workforce development and training grant to the company as well as a $500,000 loan to the Industrial Development Authority of Russell County for facility improvements. It is always exciting to see great existing companies like Simmons grow and add jobs in the region and that is one of our primary targets for enhancing the regional economy.”
In 2023, Simmons Equipment Company joined Virginia’s Trade Accelerator Program, an initiative that links Virginia companies with international markets. More than 300 companies have graduated from that program to date.
The company last expanded in Tazewell County in 2015. It is located along Steeles Lane in Tazewell.
— Contact Charles Owens at
— Contact Charles Owens at [email protected]. Follow him @BDTOwens
