Manufacturer of the Year – VFP, Inc.
Duffield, VA
Since 1965, VFP Industries, headquartered in Roanoke, has worked alongside our customers to develop customized solutions for protecting critical components. VFP’s modern factory in Duffield, VA handles all shelter construction, assembly and system integration. Concrete shelters are assembled from individual panels made in our casting area. Metal shelter assembly utilizes panels fabricated in our on-site metal fabrication shop. From assembly, shelters are integrated with customer-specified features and equipment including power distribution, HVAC equipment, communications hardware, and support systems.
With a clear vision for innovation, workforce development, safety, and community investment, VFP, Inc. of Duffield, Virginia, has demonstrated exceptional leadership in Southwest Virginia’s manufacturing sector—earning them the 2025 Manufacturer of the Year award.
Over the past several years, VFP has embraced both growth and transformation. By investing in larger casting tables in their Concrete department, the company has unlocked new opportunities to serve customers with more complex, higher-value structures. These strategic upgrades are not only expanding VFP’s capabilities but also positioning the company to remain competitive in a dynamic marketplace.
Beyond production, VFP continues to set itself apart through an unwavering commitment to its people and community. As an employee-owned company, VFP fosters a culture of shared success, offering a long-term financial stake to its workforce through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). With this structure in place, every employee has a vested interest in the company’s growth, innovation, and performance—turning success on the production floor into a shared accomplishment.
Safety is another cornerstone of VFP’s excellence. The company has turned what was once an area of concern into a defining strength, boasting a three-year DART average of just 0.18 and more than 550 consecutive days without a lost-time incident. VFP’s rigorous approach includes safety audits, training, third-party consultations, and a culture of continuous improvement rooted in employee feedback.
Environmental responsibility is also front and center. VFP has implemented targeted initiatives to reduce water usage, landfill waste, and propane consumption. Their recycling programs have kept over 900,000 pounds of scrap metal out of landfills since 2021—savings that benefit both the business and the planet. Upgrades like LED lighting and digital SDS kiosks further enhance the company’s environmental and operational efficiency.
In the community, VFP is a visible and active partner. From supporting schools like Mountain Empire Community College and Dungannon Elementary, to participating in initiatives like Habitat for Humanity and Feeding Southwest Virginia, the company is deeply committed to making a difference across the region. In the past three years alone, VFP has contributed over $56,000 to charitable causes and organizations that uplift and empower Southwest Virginia residents.
VFP, Inc. exemplifies what it means to be a modern manufacturer—investing in innovation, championing employee ownership, protecting the environment, and building stronger communities. Their achievements reflect the very best of Virginia’s manufacturing sector, making them a fitting recipient of this year’s top honor.
VFP is beyond overwhelmed to be recognized by SVAM and our peers in the fields of manufacturing, community service, and safety. We are striving to set the bar higher for ourselves in everything we do, and these distinctions help to validate these efforts. Reflecting on the recent awards dinner, we are very thankful and grateful. VFP plans to create opportunities that lead to success for our employees, the organization, and our community. – William Regert, EH&S Director, VFP, Inc.
*All information taken from submission nomination form.
