Architectural Graphics Inc. Expands Again in Virginia Beach and Adds 45 Jobs Total Square Footage Exceeds 320,208

September 20, 2016

Architectural Graphics Inc. (AGI), founded in 1969, provides signage and other onsite branding solutions for many of the world’s leading brands including General Motors, Ford, Nissan, Mercedes-Benz, Firestone, FedEx, Bank of America, CVS and many others.

The company is headquartered in Virginia Beach at 2655 International Parkway. The company will expand into an additional 50,000 square feet of manufacturing space located at 2600 International Parkway. The total square footage in the City will be 320,208. The company also has locations in Atlanta, Knoxville and Cypress, California.

AGI President Craig Rohde noted, “Virginia Beach has been a great partner with AGI during our tremendous growth over the past decade. We have been very pleased with the quality of potential associates we have needed for skilled factory, engineering and project management positions.”

The company currently has 580 employees nationwide with more than 420 employees in Virginia Beach. Within 48 months of the expansion, 45 new jobs will be added in Virginia Beach with average annual salaries of $43,000. AGI will also make a $750,000 capital investment in real estate improvements, property and equipment.

The Virginia Beach Development Authority has awarded an APZ-1 Economic Development Investment Program grant in the amount of $50,000 based on the capital investment since the location is within the YesOceana footprint.

“AGI is known across the country for its exceptional product lines and service,” said Virginia Beach Economic Development Director Warren D. Harris. “Their growth and success has been nothing short of phenomenal, and we are pleased this first-class advanced manufacturer continues to flourish in Virginia Beach.”

YesOceana was established in response to the Base Realignment and Closure Commission’s recommendation to close NAS Oceana in 2005. The innovative program moves nonconforming businesses out of APZ-1 and recruits businesses that meet zoning and conformity specifications into the area. It is the only program of its kind in the country, and YesOceana now serves as a model for other localities facing problems with encroachment around air installations.

The mission of the Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development is to attract and retain national and international businesses to stimulate capital investment and create jobs. Virginia Beach is the most populous city in Virginia with a population of 450,000, and it is the 37th largest in the United States. It is recognized as one of the Best Run Cities in America by 24/7 Wall St. The Department of Economic Development received re-accreditation through the International Economic Development Council in 2016 and is one of only 50 economic development organizations in the world to have this recognition. It is listed among the Top Five Overall Mid-sized American Cities of the Future, Top 10 for Economic Potential and Top Five for Infrastructure by fDi magazine. CNNMoney.com ranked Virginia Beach as the Easiest Place to Start a Business and the 2nd Most Business-Friendly City in the country. For more information, visit www.yesvirginiabeach.com.

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