The decision by Haulotte North America (HNA) should create more than 60 jobs in the city during a three-year period. HNA is shifting its headquarters to Virginia from Frederick in Maryland.
It has been reported that the relocation could lead to an increase in manufacturing in the region. Whether or not this plan goes ahead, HNA may well require business card printing in Virginia Beach.
Claude Fuger, the general manager of HNA, has stated:
“Proximity to the Port of Virginia will help us to reduce operating costs and offer better lead times to our customers.”
HNA belongs to the Haulotte Group. It is therefore a subsidiary of a French company that specializes in the production of lift systems and scaffolding for industrial use.
The Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance (HREDA) has played a role in getting Fuger to take an interest in the region. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership was also involved in getting the deal together, while the city played its part.
The chairperson of HREDA, Rick Bagley, has reflected on the fact that an initial approach to Mr. Fuger was made about nine years ago. Bagley has underlined the general point that business relationships are not always productive in the short term.