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State and City Representatives Meet with Sumitomo Machinery Corporation of America's Leadership Team to Discuss Future Growth Opportunities

On Wednesday, July 26th, 2023, A delegation of esteemed government officials, which included Virginia's Secretary of Commerce and Trade, Caren Merrick, and Deputy Secretary of Commerce & Trade, Nicole Riley, toured the 350,000 square feet Chesapeake manufacturing facility. Steven Wright, Kerstin Plarr, Ben White, and Lloyd Jackson represented Chesapeake Economic Development, and Cliff Copley was in attendance from the Hampton Roads Alliance. The visit focused on future growth opportunities for Sumitomo Drive Technologies in the Hampton Roads area.

The government officials were given an in-depth overview of Sumitomo's strategic operations, gaining insights into the company's reinvestment initiatives and talent acquisition. Discussions highlighted Sumitomo's rigorous efforts to de-risk the supply chain through significant investments in manufacturing capabilities throughout North and South America.

"Our discussions revolved around our workforce requirements and the need for a more agile and business-friendly climate in Virginia," said Tony Barlett, VP of Operations at Sumitomo Drive Technologies. "The opportunity to showcase our team's dedication and the significance of manufacturing in driving economic development during the tour of our plant was a highlight. We are optimistic about the future, especially after Secretary Merrick's visit to our Americas HQ.

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In addition to the facility tour, the visit included meetings that facilitated learning about Sumitomo's operations, customer base, and its presence in Virginia, with two facilities - the Headquarters in Chesapeake and the Large Industrial Gear Unit Manufacturing and Assembly Facility in Verona. The company took this opportunity to express its commitment to business growth in Virginia.

"The SMA Leadership Team is grateful for the recent visit from Secretary Merrick and members of the Regional Economic Development Groups to our Chesapeake, Virginia facility," expressed Jim Solomon, CEO and President of Sumitomo Machinery Corporation of America. "It was a great opportunity to share information about Sumitomo's presence in Virginia. Our primary aim is to foster company growth and support business expansion in Virginia, focusing on "Compete and Win." As we continue to expand our business and manufacturing footprint in Virginia, we look forward to deepening our relationship with regional and Richmond leadership."

Sumitomo Drive Technologies has been a significant player in the power transmission industry for years, fostering economic growth in its operating regions. With the insights and discussions from this visit, Sumitomo looks forward to expanding its operations further, contributing to Virginia's economic landscape, and continuing its collaborations with city, state, and regional officials for future growth opportunities.

 

About Sumitomo Drive Technologies

Sumitomo Drive Technologies is a brand of Sumitomo Machinery Corporation of America, one of the most respected names in the power transmission industry. As an industrial manufacturer of premium quality gearboxes, motors, and controls, we operate two prominent facilities – our Headquarters in Chesapeake, VA, and the Large Industrial Gear Unit Manufacturing and Assembly Facility in Verona. Our commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and comprehensive solutions makes us an industry leader in power transmission.

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