By Greg Jordan

April 3, 2018 - A loan up to $600,000 which will result in the creation of 12 to 15 new jobs in Buchanan County, Virginia was closed recently by the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority for Apex Leasing Corporation, an affiliate of West River Conveyors and Machinery Company.

Apex Leasing Corporation was formed in 1992 and leases property to West River, a designer and manufacturer of conveyor systems and equipment. Funds from the VCEDA loan to Apex will be utilized for an expansion of the West River facility on Dismal River Road in Buchanan County, which will enable the company to expand its product line.

The expansion project includes the construction of an approximately 15,000-square-foot building, including a paint booth and office and equipment including welding stations, iron worker, overhead crane, assembly line conveyor and vertical drill. The building will be owned by Apex and leased to West River. The loan agreement was closed March 29, according to Monday’s announcement.

West River, founded in 1985, builds belt drives, discharge/transfer stations, tail sections, take-up units, power packs, starters, belt storage units, winches and many unique fabrications to customer specifications. It sells belt and structure as part of its conveyor packages and also sells new and used conveyor parts. West River is the largest manufacturing company and one of the largest private employers in Buchanan County.

“The demand for above-ground conveyor equipment across different mining sectors and outside of mining has given us the confidence to move forward with the project,” West River Vice President of International Sales Pete Savage said. “We appreciate VCEDA’s assistance with making this project a reality which allows us to provide additional employment opportunities in Buchanan County. We have already hired six new employees.”

Savage stated that the expansion will allow for the development of new product lines to make the company more competitive and enhance its ability to offer greater solutions to its customers.

“VCEDA is pleased to be able to assist Apex Leasing Corporation in its plans with West River to expand the company’s product lines and to employ additional people,” VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel Jonathan Belcher said. “One of VCEDA’s goals is not only to attract new businesses to the region, but also to assist existing business in their growth and expansion plans. This project certainly is in line with that goal and we look forward to seeing the company implement its plan and continue to grow and provide jobs in the e-Region.” 

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