Hermes Abrasives expands and adds 12 jobs in Virginia Beach

Hermes Abrasives continues to grow in Virginia Beach.

The Hamburg, Germany-based company, which was founded in 1927, makes coated and bonded abrasives used primarily in the automotive, aviation, furniture and metalworking industries.

Hermes has plants in Hamburg, Dresden and Shanghai; its North American headquarters has been in Virginia Beach since 1981. The 160,000-square-foot plant at 524 Viking Drive employs 155 people.

The Virginia Beach Development Authority awarded an Economic Development Investment Program grant of $125,000 for the company's $3.75 million expansion which includes real estate enhancements and manufacturing improvements.

Michelle Chapleau, business development coordinator for the Virginia Beach department of economic development, said the grants are performance-based.

"They are making an expansion in manufacturing equipment and making some improvements," Chapleau said. "$115,000 of that $3.75 million will be dedicated to real estate improvement. Along with that, they’re hiring 12 new full-time positions with average salaries of $45,000 excluding benefits."

Hermes President Ken Lamay said the additional investment will allow for state-of-the-art automation advancements.

"But, that does not mean reductions in actual numbers of jobs. It means the skill level of the associates needs to be further enhanced," Lamay said.

Jerry Stewart, workforce development coordinator for the Virginia Beach economic development office, said the department initially worked with the company to find its current location and has helped with different expansions throughout the years.

"They expanded the number of employees and now they’re ramping up in employment again," Stewart said.

Chapleau said it's a testament to the stability and growth of the manufacturing industry in Virginia Beach.

"They have made a commitment to reinvest in our community," Chapleau said. "They have been outstanding corporate citizens for a long time and we’re happy to assist them with their continued growth."

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