Record-Breaking Turnout at the 2025 Southwest Virginia Manufacturers’ Expo

Abingdon, VA — The Southwest Virginia Manufacturers’ Expo 2025, held Thursday, August 28th, at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, set a new benchmark for regional industry engagement—drawing representatives from 30 leading manufacturing companies across the region, and multiple vendors and resource providers, for a total of 160 participants..

Now in its 11th year, the Expo has grown into Southwest Virginia’s premier gathering for manufacturers, suppliers, and resource partners. This year’s record-breaking attendance highlighted the region’s accelerating momentum in advanced manufacturing, innovation, and workforce development.

A Hub of Opportunity and Action
From the buzzing expo floor to expert-led breakout sessions, the event offered unmatched opportunities for connection and collaboration. Manufacturers showcased their capabilities, explored new partnerships, and strengthened local supply chains, while vendors and resource providers shared solutions to support continued industry growth.

Educational sessions returned as a cornerstone of the Expo, providing practical strategies on workforce readiness, operational efficiency, and emerging technologies—helping companies stay ahead in an increasingly competitive landscape.

“The record turnout at this year’s Expo is a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of manufacturing in Southwest Virginia,” said Lennie Gail Mitcham, SVAM Executive Director. “By bringing together manufacturers, partners, and community leaders under one roof, we’re not only showcasing the incredible work happening in our region, but also sparking the connections that will drive future growth.”

Community-Backed, Industry-Focused

The 2025 Expo was made possible thanks to the support of an outstanding group of sponsors who continue to champion Southwest Virginia’s manufacturing future:

Platinum Level Sponsors:
Somic America, Inc., Appalachian Environmental Resources, JA Street

Gold Level Sponsors:
Virginia Highlands Community College, OpX Solutions, LLC, Mountain Empire Community College, Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, Baker Donelson, Merrick & Company, University of Virginia’s College at Wise (UVa-Wise), SWCC Apex Accelerator, Genedge, Cary Street Partners,  Appalachian Council for Innovation,  EO Companies

Silver Level Sponsors:
New River/Mount Rogers Workforce Development Board, Appalachian Power: Take Charge VA, Mount Rogers Regional Partnership, Brown Edwards CPAs, Global Metal Finishing

Bronze Sponsors:
Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP), The Scylla Group, Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity, Ballad Health (Business Development & Outreach)

SVAM would like to thank everyone who participated in making the day a great success!