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Pittsylvania County and Norfolk will benefit from the recent logistics investments. (vistoff/Getty Images)

Virginia has secured two new logistics investments, with a North Carolina-based e-commerce fulfillment company establishing a $10 million hub in Pittsylvania County and a wholesale distributor expanding in Norfolk.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced Aug. 13 that MerryGoRound Inc. will open a 400,000-square-foot logistics and fulfillment center in Pittsylvania County to support its live-commerce division. The company specializes in apparel and collectibles, and will use the Virginia site to facilitate online sales on platforms including TikTok Shop, Amazon Live and eBay Live.

“MerryGoRound’s decision to establish operations in Pittsylvania County demonstrates how Virginia’s strategic location and skilled workforce make it an ideal hub for e-commerce and logistics operations,” Youngkin said in a statement.

The project will repurpose the former AAF Tank Museum property and is expected to create more than 200 jobs in logistics, warehousing and operations as well as creative positions such as videographers and live-commerce hosts.

HUGE win for Southside Virginia! MerryGoRound, Inc. is creating 203 high-paying jobs and $10M in investment to Pittsylvania County.

Virginia outcompeted North Carolina and Puerto Rico for this great project, proving that our talent and business climate remain second to none. — Governor Glenn Youngkin (@GovernorVA)

Virginia competed with North Carolina and Puerto Rico for the investment, offering a $350,000 grant, $145,500 from the Virginia Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund and eligibility for the Port of Virginia’s infrastructure program. Workforce training support will come through the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program.

Regional officials said the project would add to Southside Virginia’s growing role in e-commerce and logistics. Linda Green, executive director of the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance, called it “transformative,” noting that it will attract young professionals with technical and communications skills.

MerryGoRound, Inc ​to Establish ​ and ​ Center in via — Expansion Solutions (@ExpansionSolMag)

Pittsylvania County leaders also emphasized the reuse of a large vacant facility. Industrial Authority Chairman Joey Faucette said MerryGoRound’s decision “further demonstrates that Pittsylvania County is becoming a leader in attracting business and industry to the Southside region.”

Norfolk Marine Distributor Expands

On Aug. 12, Youngkin announced that Land ‘N’ Sea Distributing Inc. will expand its Norfolk operations with a $1.1 million investment. The Florida-based company, a subsidiary of Brunswick Corp., distributes marine and recreational vehicle parts and will relocate to a 120,000-square-foot facility, nearly double its current size.

The expansion will allow Land ‘N’ Sea to add about 5,000 products and increase inventory capacity while creating 29 new positions. The company has operated in Norfolk since acquiring Norfolk Marine Distributors in 1992.

“This new location allows us to increase our inventory and space while introducing an enhanced service model that will create additional jobs in the community,” said Land ‘N’ Sea President Mike Conners.

Land ‘N’ Sea Distributing, Inc. Growing in via — Expansion Solutions (@ExpansionSolMag)

Youngkin said the expansion highlighted Virginia’s strength in logistics and distribution, pointing to the state’s workforce, East Coast location and transportation infrastructure.

Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander described the investment as “a strong vote of confidence in Norfolk’s workforce, infrastructure and long-term economic potential.”

State support for the projects will come through different workforce initiatives. MerryGoRound will benefit from the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program, while Land ‘N’ Sea will be supported through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program, which provides funding and consultative services for recruitment and training.

Generative AI assisted in the creation of this article. At least two staff editors reviewed the copy before publication.

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