On December 2 at 10 a.m., Plasser American Corporation will dedicate a 45,000 square foot, three-story office building, the first structure in a comprehensive $52.6-million expansion of its North American headquarters and manufacturing center at their location in Chesapeake’s South Norfolk community.

The balance of the project will include a new 82,000-square-foot manufacturing facility to double production capacity and purchase more equipment, including an updated industrial paint booth. Because of the growth, Plasser American will add 98 new jobs to its current workforce of just over 300 employees.

Among the speakers will be Virginia Governor Ralph Northam, Johannes Max-Theurer, Shareholder & CEO of Plasser & Theurer in Austria, as well as Martin Weiss, Ambassador of Austrian Embassy and Chesapeake Mayor Rick West.

Additionally, members of the Chesapeake City Council and local General Assembly delegation will attend along with state officials.

Plasser American designs, manufactures and operates “maintenance of way” equipment to maintain the safety of passenger and commercial railroad tracks across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Plasser American, which began in Illinois 60 years ago, relocated to Chesapeake in 1970 for milder weather and to be close to the Port of Virginia. Besides its manufacturing capabilities, the company provides railway inspection and railway repair vehicle services. Plasser American also has a first-of-its-kind training program that enables apprentices to gain hands-on experience while studying at Tidewater Community College.

The dedication ceremony will be held inside an outdoor tent adjacent to the new headquarters building located on Atlantic Avenue. Media and other invited guests should enter on Narrow Street and from there will be directed to parking.

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