The expansion will create 32 new jobs and save 35 existing ones. The Tobacco Commission awarded a $75,000 Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund (TROF) grant to Smyth County to assist Longwall Associates with the expansion in Chilhowie.

Longwall Associates has been operating in Smyth County since 1987 and has had the support of Senator William Wampler from the early stages.

“Helping a thriving company continue its growth is a win-win for everyone,” Senator Wampler said. “We are able to keep Longwall in our community, saving jobs while creating new ones as well.”

Longwall Associates president Paul Campbell said the company had been fortunate to have achieved several strategic goals since its beginnings.

“We have substantially increased our US market share, developed a solid customer base, and gained a foothold in foreign markets such as China, with recent contracts over $20 million. And, we have diversified our product line by adding a new division – American Highwall Systems, offering highwall mining systems to the US and foreign markets. Sustaining this movement in our market requires physical growth.”

In addition to the Tobacco Commission grant, the Smyth County Industrial Development Authority will also match the TROF grant with $50,000 to assist Longwall Asspcoates.

“Our number one priority in Smyth County is our existing industry,” Marvin R. Perry, chairman, Smyth County board of supervisors said.

“We are excited that Longwall Associates, a successful homegrown company, has decided to continue its growth in Chilhowie and Smyth County and to create 32 good jobs.”

The Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission is a 31-member body created by the 1999 General Assembly. It has, as a significant part of its mission, the promotion of economic growth and development in tobacco-dependent communities.