Virginia’s Gateway Region combines strategic assets and location to support key
industry sectors and commercial growth by driving economic growth, attracting
investment and strengthening long-term competitiveness.
Advanced Manufacturing
Innovation-driven production with global impact
Virginia’s Gateway Region is a hub for advanced manufacturing, where science and technology translate into efficient, high-value production.
The region supports a diverse range of manufacturing—from specialty foods and pharmaceuticals to precision metal goods, energy products, chemicals and advanced materials.
Anchored by global leaders like Phlow, Civica Rx, Novo Nordisk, Gerdau, and AdvanSix, the region continues to expand its manufacturing footprint through strong R&D partnerships and a highly skilled workforce.
Key Advantages:
● 41,000+ manufacturing employees across the workforce draw area.
● 600 engineering and technician graduates annually in the metro area.
● Home to the Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CCAM), accelerating innovation from research to commercialization.
● Brightpoint Community College’s Precision Machining Program (NIMS/ accredited) and Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Career Studies Certificate supports workforce pipeline development.
Logistics and Distribution
A strategic East Coast hub for moving goods efficiently
Located at the intersection of I-85, I-95 and I-295, Virginia’s Gateway Region is a premier logistics and distribution hub serving both national and global markets. The region’s infrastructure, workforce and proximity to key assets make it a top choice for major distribution operations.
Recent investments from companies like Amazon, Lego, WalMart and Aldi reinforce the region’s reputation as a world-class logistics and warehouse location.
Key Advantages:
● Within a one-day drive of two-thirds of the U.S. population.
● Immediate access to Interstates 85, 95 and 295.
● Dual rail service and proximity to two international airports.
● Direct access to the Port of Virginia, the deepest and one of the fastest-growing ports on the East Coast.
● Home to major U.S. military logistics operations, including the Army Logistics University at Fort Lee and Defense Supply Center Richmond.
● Virginia State University’s Logistics and Industrial Technology program which prepares workforce skillsets in supply chain, distribution and transportation fields, with approximately 50 enrolled annually.
Future Technology
Powering the next generation of digital infrastructure
Virginia’s Gateway Region is emerging as a
strategic location for future-focused technology investment. Positioned less than two hours from Northern Virginia—the world’s largest data center market—the region offers a natural path for growth as demand for digital infrastructure continues to accelerate.
VGR is not simply positioning itself as a destination for data storage, but as a hub for digital infrastructure that delivers high-value, long-term economic impact. The region is well-equipped to support data centers and the broader technology ecosystems that depend on scalable power, connectivity and workforce.
Key Advantages:
● Proximity to Northern Virginia’s global data center hub.
● Available sites for large-scale, energy-intensive projects.
● Access to reliable power and expanding infrastructure.
● Strategic location for future digital and technology investment.
Wood Products
A complete value chain rooted in strength and sustainability
Virginia’s Gateway Region is well-positioned to grow the wood products industry, supported by a robust, end-to-end value chain that spans forestry, processing and advanced manufacturing. From raw timber to high-value finished goods, companies benefit from an integrated ecosystem of suppliers, partners and customers.
Located within the Southeastern “wood basket”—which produces more than 60% of the nation’s timber—Virginia offers a reliable, scalable resource base for wood products manufacturing.
Key Advantages:
● End-to-end wood products value chain—from sawmills to engineered wood, finished goods, paper and packaging.
● Strong foundation for growth in sustainable and value-added wood manufacturing.
● Increasing demand for renewable, low-carbon building materials.
● Growth in wood byproducts and high-value manufacturing.
Cold Storage
Critical infrastructure for a resilient supply chain
Cold storage facilities are critical infrastructure that ensure stability and continuity across supply chains, especially during periods of disruption. As demand for temperature-controlled logistics continues to grow,
Virginia’s Gateway Region is well-positioned to support expansion in this essential sector.
By diversifying and localizing storage capacity, VGR is positioned to help mitigate risk, reduce supply chain vulnerabilities and ensure essential goods remain
accessible to consumers and businesses.
Key Advantages:
● Strategic location for regional and national distribution.
● Supports growth in food, agriculture and life sciences sectors.
● Growing demand for temperature-controlled logistics and storage.
● Strengthens supply chain resilience and continuity during disruptions.
● Direct access to the Port of Virginia and Interstates 85, 95, 295