ABOUT SVAM

The Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing, Inc. is a non-profit organization focused on supporting and strengthening manufacturers in the region.

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the SVAM difference

SVAM’s vision is to unite Southwest Virginia manufacturers to strengthen our position as a world-leading region of advanced manufacturing opportunities. Led by manufacturers, SVAM utilizes its resources to provide support services to manufacturers to meet a wide variety of needs.

 

SVAM works with manufacturers across the region to meet their ongoing needs. SVAM provides direct services such as resources support, providing opportunities for manufacturers to share best practices with one another, promoting job openings, offering trainings, and much more.

 

As a membership-driven organization, SVAM offers a menu of benefits exclusive to its member companies.

our mission

Supporting the sustainment and advancement of manufacturing in Southwest Virginia through regional collaborations, improving the image of manufacturing, and closing the skills gap.

our goals

SVAM operates by the following three goals as outlined in its Articles of Incorporation:

Goal1

goal 1

To establish and promote the regional collaborations in support of manufacturing and manufacturing careers as part of an economic development initiative.

Goal2

goal 2

To redefine the image of manufacturing with young people and their parents, their educators, the community and policymakers in a manner that increases the number of young adults and other member of the workforce who pursue manufacturing careers.

Goal3

goal 3

To close the skills gap for regional manufacturers by aligning educational and workforce training resources with the most pressing demands of area industry.

latest annual report

Check out our latest Annual Report to gain a better understanding of the ways we support manufacturing in Southwest Virginia.

What our members are saying

  • The Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing (SVAM) has been a great additional resource for us. As an Environmental, Health & Safety Professional, I truly enjoy participating in the roundtable discussions and meetings with other peers throughout the region. There is always something you can learn when sharing experience and knowledge. I appreciate the fact that SVAM is forward thinking and willing to establishing a platform for our profession.

    Bobby Epperson, Sr. EHS Engineer, Compliance and Facilities Mgr., Coperion Corporation

  • Speyside Bourbon Cooperage Inc. has been a member of SVAM since late 2018 when we first came to Southwest Virginia. New to the area, our partnership with SVAM has proven to be immensely helpful. From day one SVAM has made important connections for us--whether it was making sure we were aware of local job fairs, making introductions to key staff at state employment agencies, or actually helping out at a job event, their guidance and support has been fantastic.

    Maggie Anderson, Speyside Bourbon Cooperage, Inc.

  • I have only worked in the manufacturing field at General Dynamics for a little over a year. During that time, I have had the opportunity to work, and partner, with Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing (SVAM). It has been a wonderful experience. SVAM supports the area manufacturers by promoting the manufacturing field through events and school programs. They have played an important role in the promotion, recognition and marketing of manufacturing careers for the Southwest Virginia area. They also provide an opportunity for manufacturers to come together to discuss strategies, opportunities and to learn from each other. THANK YOU to SVAM! I look forward to continuing our partnership!

    Martha Rasnake, Workforce Relations Manager, General Dynamics Mission Systems

  • Being part of SVAM is a great opportunity to network with other manufacturing companies in the area, share best practices, and help develop an environment that is conducive to future growth for manufacturing activity in the region.

    Alex Lupi, Director of Plant Operations, Tempur Sealy

  • InnovativeMillwork Technologies, located at 370 Deer Valley Road in Chilhowie Virginia, joined Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing in March of 2018. SVAM is a great source for information pertaining to issues (COVID) and opportunities in the region. They sponsor job fairs at no cost to the company as well as the posting of job openings online. The SVAM staff are quick to answer questions and provide feedback in a timely manner. SVAM provides manufacturing tours, awards, scholarships and many other services for the public and its members. We are proud to be a part of the SVAM team.

    Larry Wyatt, Plant Manager, Innovative Millwork Technologies, LLC

Strategic Plan

SVAM’s Strategic Plan guides everything that SVAM does throughout the year.

Our Members

manufacturing careers

Did you know that manufacturing is alive and thriving in Southwest Virginia? The region's more than 350 manufacturing companies are currently offering exciting and rewarding careers to 17,000 people and they're looking for many more.

Want to know more about what manufacturers look like today? Check out our

become a member today

SVAM is a membership-driven organization, offering a variety of benefits to its member companies, each designed to ensure manufacturers have every resource available to them to thrive.

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