Background

Our manufacturing prowess dates to the 1800s when companies flocked to the area to take advantage of the water and transportation access.  Stoves, doors, furniture, bricks, barrels, dairy products, paper, and matches all carried the “Made in Waynesboro” label.  Later, DuPont labs refined the Lycra manufacturing process, GE operated research facilities, and industrial players such as PGI, Mohawk, and Crompton rounded out a synthetic and industrial fibers cluster.  Products made here played an important role in furnishing American homes, shaping the fashion industry, and landing men on the moon.

Today, the Lycra Company continues fiber production; Virginia Panel and VIRTEX develop electronics for defense, medical, and other industries; Augusta Lumber exports hardwood globally; Berry Plastics produce nonwovens; Neuman Aluminum manufacture automotive and defense parts; and products made by F.R. Drake touch almost every hot dog made in the world.  While our industrial makeup has evolved over the decades, the City continues to have a strong heritage of manufacturing excellence with almost 12% of the MSA workforce engaged in this segment.

Location

              click for detailed map

Uniquely positioned on the I-81 corridor in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, Waynesboro is the hub of transportation with road and rail access to major population centers plus advanced fiber communication.  The city has a strong heritage of innovation and manufacturing excellence with a commitment to the future.  Waynesboro also serves as a regional retail center and gateway to outstanding cultural and recreational amenities

Talent Pipeline

In 2019, the region’s concentration of 39 colleges and universities within a 2 1/2-hour drive graduated over 67,000 students in a wide variety of degrees and courses of study.

Locally, Blue Ridge Community College, Mary Baldwin University, and James Madison University offer credit and noncredit programs as well as collaborative workforce development solutions, including specialized training, apprenticeship, bootcamps, and more.

The award-winning “InDemand” Jobs Campaign markets high-demand, high-growth and high-wage occupations and accompanying educational opportunities for occupations requiring more than high school but less than a 4-year degree.

Transportation and Infrastructure

Waynesboro’s strategic location makes it easy to do business and take advantage of an exceptional quality of life. The City is centrally located along the I-81 corridor in the eastern portion of Virginia’s scenic and historic Shenandoah Valley.  Our convenient location along I-64 provides easy access to major locations in the Midwest and Eastern Seaboard, with ne day truck delivery to Boston, Detroit, Indianapolis, Nashville, and Jacksonville.

In addition to the outstanding highway system, four railroads, five airports, and two ports provide access to the world. View transportation infrastructure map. Dominion Energy provides electricity at rates below the U.S. average at 5.7 cents per kilowatt hour vs. 7.01 cents nationally; Columbia Gas delivers natural gas at selected industrial sites; City of Waynesboro provides award winning water and wastewater services. Multiple telecommunications providers serve the area with fiber connectivity.

Operating Costs

Although Waynesboro is in close proximity to major east coast locations, its cost of living and cost of doing business are less than the national average.  View comparison table.

Community Investments

Waynesboro offers significant multiyear incentives for eligible projects based on job quality and quantity, capital investment, and other criteria.  Job creation and capital investment grants are available if located in an Enterprise Zone; federal tax benefits if in an Opportunity Zone; and HUBZone benefits in certain census tracts.

Cultural and Recreational Amenities

The only place on the planet where the Shenandoah National Park/Skyline Drive, Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Appalachian Trail intersect, Waynesboro has a wealth of cultural and natural amenities.  The wide variety of outdoor recreational activities including hiking, mountain biking, fly fishing, horseback riding, and bicycling combined with cultural gems such as historical venues, art galleries, and a newly restored vaudeville era preforming arts center provide endless opportunities for adventure. Such attractions paired with our national brand restaurants and shopping, as well as unique local breweries and dining, give Waynesboro a vibrant quality of life.

Greenway – The picturesque 1.2 mile paved Greenway Trail follows the South River though downtown.  Take a walk, ride your bike, or try your hand at fly fishing in one of only two urban trout fisheries in the state.

Festivals — Waynesboro’s annual events and festivals bring pleasure to the whole family.  There’s is something for everyone; art, chili, races, fireworks, soap box derby, concerts, and kite flying – there’s always something on the calendar.

National Treasures – Travel north or south on a scenic drive, visit a national forest, or take a hike on the famed Appalachian Trail.  These national treasures are located just outside of downtown.

Waynesboro VA – uniquely positioned for prime business opportunities.