2026 Joint IDA Tenure Awards

Joint IDA Recognizes Wythe County Industries at Tenure Awards
WYTHEVILLE — The Joint Industrial Development Authority held its annual Tenure Awards luncheon to celebrate Wythe County industries on April 23, 2026, at the Wytheville Meeting Center. An important part of the Joint IDA’s annual industry appreciation activities is our recognition of companies that have had a presence in Wythe County for a multiple of five years. Our tenure awards give us an opportunity to acknowledge and honor the important contributions made by these businesses in our community.

Joining the Joint IDA Board of Directors and the celebrated businesses were members of Wythe County administration, Wytheville Town Council members and administration, and business service partners Wytheville Community College and Mount Rogers Regional Partnership. The Joint IDA also recognized the ongoing community support of WythevilleOffices.com, who has been the sole sponsor of the luncheon since its inception in 2005.

Joint IDA Executive Director David Manley shared the history of each company being awarded, and an award certificate was presented by Joint IDA Chairman Michael Cole. Commemorative glass trophies will be delivered to award recipients at their facilities at a later date. The following companies were recognized for their contributions to the community over extended periods:

Blue Ridge Gatorade 20 Years

Somic America 25 Years

Oak Hall Cap and Gown 30 Years

BLUE RIDGE GATORADE (20 YEARS)    

Blue Ridge Gatorade in Wytheville, Virginia, is a major beverage manufacturing and distribution facility operated by PepsiCo. Opened in 2006, the plant produces popular products such as Gatorade, Gatorade Zero, G-Fit, and Fast Twitch, serving customers across the United States.

Spanning nearly one million square feet, it is one the largest facility under roof in Wythe County and a key contributor to the local economy, providing hundreds of jobs and supporting community initiatives. The facility is also recognized for its sustainability efforts, earning LEED Gold certification for its environmentally responsible design and operations. The building is currently in the process of adding 50,000 square feet to the existing structure for handling increased production. There is also a modification process in place to enhance the entrance and exit of the facility to improve service and safety in and around the plant grounds.

Beyond production, Blue Ridge Gatorade is deeply committed to giving back—regularly supporting and donating to the community, including local schools and organizations. Known for its strong performance and team culture, the site has proudly been recognized as “Circle of Champions” reflecting its commitment to excellence, quality, and continuous improvement.

SOMIC AMERICA (25 YEARS)   

Somic America Incorporated began operation in 1989, as Brewer Automotive Components, in Brewer, Maine. Founded by Lemförder Fahrwerktechnik in Germany and Somic Ishikawa in Japan, BAC manufactured safety critical and non-safety critical steering and suspension components for the automobile industry.

In 2000, Wytheville Technologies, another Somic company, began operation in Wytheville, Virginia as a manufacturer of ball studs, U-bolts and recently zinc plating.

In 2003, BAC expanded to Wytheville, VA., and began the manufacturing of truck-based steering and suspension components. In July, 2009, Somic Ishikawa became the sole owner of both BAC plants. In January, 2010, the Wytheville plant merged with the former Wytheville Technologies facility and the name for both plants was changed to Somic America Incorporated. Today the Wytheville facility is 400 ppl strong, producing 100,000 parts per day with $135 million in annual sales. Somic America says: “We are proud to be striving in Southwest Virgina and will continue to grow our business and footprint in this area.”

OAK HALL INDUSTRIES (30 YEARS)    

Oak Hall Cap & Gown has been producing graduation caps, gowns, and academic regalia since 1889. The company has five manufacturing plants throughout the east coast with over 400 employees nationwide.  Its Wytheville facility, which opened in 1996, is an integral element in that organization.

Like all Oak Hall facilities, Wytheville produces year-round, however, it is during the spring graduation season where their efforts are most required and the facility’s impact on the business are most evident. The employees at the Wytheville facility are dedicated professionals who over the years have shown their resourcefulness and consistently maintain Oak Hall’s reputation for quality.

AUSTINVILLE LIMESTONE CO., INC. (45 YEARS)

Austinville Limestone Company operates an open-pit quarry and limestone processing plant on the oldest continuous mining site in the eastern United States. Current ownership was established in 1996 by four partners with extensive experience in the limestone business. These experienced professionals have a combined experience of over 100 years in the mining industry and related agricultural, lawn, and garden businesses.

In 2007, they rekindled their passion for the lawn and garden Limestone business, and their market share has since grown to encompass the Eastern US and beyond. Their quarry and lime manufacturing operations, located in Austinville, Virginia, are the closest facility of its kind to the Piedmont markets in the Mid-Atlantic region.

The Joint IDA Board would like to thank each of these companies for doing business in Wythe County and for their commitment to our communities.

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