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A leading nationwide flooring, countertop, wall tile and hardscaping products distributor is bringing 80 new jobs to Suffolk.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin today announced that MS International Inc. will invest $61.6 million to establish its east coast distribution facility in the City of Suffolk. 

McDonald Development will construct a new 548,000-square-foot building at 2821 Holland Road for the company. Virginia successfully competed with Georgia, New Jersey, and South Carolina for the project, which will create 80 new jobs, according to a news release from the governor’s office.

“Virginia is one of North America’s premier supply chain destinations, and we are excited to welcome MS International’s east coast distribution facility to the Commonwealth,” Youngkin said. “MSI will benefit from Suffolk’s prime location and proximity to our world-class port facilities, and we look forward to their success in the Hampton Roads region.”

Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick said that when a global company like MS International chooses Virginia for a major distribution operation to reach critical markets, it reinforces our strategic location and logistics infrastructure that is second-to-none.

“The Commonwealth offers companies a single gateway into critical customer markets, and MSI will complement Suffolk’s impressive roster of supply chain management companies,” Merrick said.

The company’s president pointed out why this expansion benefits his company.

“MSI is very excited with this huge expansion of our distribution footprint in Virginia. This new hub distribution center will dramatically improve our long-term distribution capabilities across the Mid-Atlantic and Mid-West,” , President of MS International Rup Shah said. “In addition, we are very impressed with the Port of Virginia and its continued investments to insure a smooth flow of goods. Finally, both the high-quality workforce in the region combined with a very business-friendly environment were both major contributing factors to our decision.”

Suffolk Mayor Michael Duman said city officals are pleased that MS International is expanding its distribution capabilities here.

“Suffolk welcomes and appreciates the $61.6 million investment in this 500,000-square-foot building. The expansion will create 80 new jobs and add to our growing tax base,” Duman said.

Stephen A. Edwards, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of the Virginia Port Authority, applauded MS International’s decision to build its East Coast distribution center in Suffolk and capitalize on the access to global markets offered by the Port of Virginia.

“MSI is going to be a significant importer and the investments we’re making in our terminals will help to ensure that MSI can grow its volumes without concern. We welcome MSI and are looking forward to a long partnership,” Edwards said

Senator John Cosgrove said he is thrilled and excited that MSI is establishing a huge distribution center in the City of Suffolk. 

“As the Senator representing this district, I am very pleased with the capital investment and the 80 new jobs that will be coming to Suffolk! I am certain that MSI will be very pleased with the pro-business culture of the city and will find the area to be warm and welcoming to both MSI and its employees,” Cosgrove said. “Special appreciation goes out to Governor Glenn Youngkin and his economic development team for successfully competing with three other states to win the MSI project. I know that the Governor is laser focused on bringing new and high-quality businesses to the Commonwealth of Virginia, and this is a prime example of his success.”

Del. Clinton Jenkins said he believes the company is a great fit for Suffolk.

“Suffolk’s Holland Road Industrial Parkway has the capacity to accommodate the 500,000-square-foot building needed for a distribution facility. Economic development and the creation of 80 new jobs are an added value to the Suffolk community,” Jenkins said. “Special thanks to MSI for choosing to be a member of the Suffolk family.”

Founded in 1975 and headquartered in Orange, California, MSI maintains more than 40 state-of-the-art showrooms and distribution centers across the U.S. and Canada, with domestic manufacturing facilities for Q™ Premium Natural Quartz in Latta, South Carolina and Premium LVT in Cartersville, Georgia. MSI’s product assortment includes an extensive offering of quartz, LVT, tile, natural stone, and glass products imported from more than 37 countries on six continents.

The company imports more than 70,000 containers per year and manages an inventory of more than 300 million square feet, including hundreds of thousands of slabs of natural stone and quartz. MSI has over 3,000 employees worldwide, including more than 60 in Virginia.

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the City of Suffolk to secure the project for Virginia. Governor Youngkin approved a $225,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist the city with the project. The company is also eligible to receive benefits from the Port of Virginia Economic and Infrastructure Development Zone Grant Program. Funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.