Governor Spanberger Announces Innovative Refrigeration Systems Expands With $19 Million Investment in Augusta County

RICHMOND, VA - Governor Abigail Spanberger announced today that Innovative Refrigeration Systems - a provider of advanced industrial refrigeration, cold chain, and temperature-controlled infrastructure solutions for complex and mission-critical facilities - will invest $19 million to expand operations at its Augusta County manufacturing campus. The expansion will support recent biopharma manufacturing investments in Virginia and make it easier for medication to reach hospitals, pharmacies, and other healthcare providers across the nation.

Through the acquisition and renovation of an adjacent facility, Innovative will significantly increase production and create 214 new jobs for Virginians. The new investment will be supported by the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program and Innovative's existing registered apprenticeship programs offering welding and electrical apprenticeships in Virginia, as well as a national refrigeration technician apprenticeship.

"As the Commonwealth leads the way as a hub for advanced biopharma manufacturing, we must have the infrastructure to support continued growth," said Governor Abigail Spanberger. "Not only will Innovative Refrigeration Systems' expansion in Augusta County help make sure critical medication can reach healthcare providers, but it will create good-paying career opportunities for hundreds of Virginians. By supporting skilled trades through registered apprenticeships, we are helping Virginians grow their careers and supercharging economic growth across the Commonwealth."

"Through initiatives like the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program, companies like Innovative Refrigeration Systems can scale quickly while creating lasting career pathways for Virginians," said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Carrie Chenery. "Innovative's decision to grow in Augusta County reflects the strong alignment between Virginia's industrial needs across multiple sectors and our ability to deliver talent solutions alongside our partners."

"This expansion is not just about growth; it's about creating meaningful opportunities for the people and families in our community," said Innovative President Bob Almon. "We're proud to continue investing in Augusta County and to partner with the Commonwealth of Virginia as we create high-quality jobs and strengthen American manufacturing. Every refrigeration system we build reflects the skill, dedication, and pride of Virginians, and we're excited to carry that forward as we advance the use of natural refrigerants."

Since its founding in 1993, Innovative Refrigeration Systems has expanded its engineering, manufacturing, construction, and service capabilities to support increasingly complex industrial refrigeration projects. This growth has enabled the delivery and long-term support of natural refrigeration systems utilizing ammonia and CO₂ across a wide range of industries throughout North America. As industries increasingly transition away from high-global-warming-potential refrigerants, natural refrigerants such as ammonia and CO₂ continue to serve as proven, high-performance standards in industrial cooling. With applications ranging from pharmaceutical manufacturing, cold chain storage, food and beverage processing, and digital infrastructure, Innovative provides end-to-end refrigeration solutions for complex industrial and mission-critical environments.

"The addition of jobs and investment by industry-leading companies is a top priority for Augusta County," said Augusta County Board of Supervisors Chair Jeff Slaven. "We're especially encouraged to see this expansion bring new life to an existing building and are proud of Innovative Refrigeration's strategic reinvestment to accelerate growth and maximize assets to continue their growth in our community."

"Innovative Refrigeration Systems has been an outstanding corporate partner in Augusta County for many years, and this expansion is tremendous news for our region," said Senator Chris Head. "Creating more than 200 high-quality jobs while continuing to invest in skilled trades, apprenticeships, and advanced manufacturing demonstrates exactly the kind of economic growth we want to encourage in the Shenandoah Valley and across Virginia."

"I'm thrilled to see this kind of investment here in our community," said Delegate Ellen McLaughlin. "Innovative Refrigeration Systems is the exact type of industry leader we want providing jobs and accelerating our workforce development in Augusta County. Thank you, Augusta County and VEDP, for bringing this project to life."

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) worked with Augusta County to secure the project for Virginia. Governor Spanberger approved a $250,000 grant from the Commonwealth's Opportunity Fund to assist Augusta County with the project.

Support for Innovative's job creation will be provided through the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program, ranked the number one Customized Workforce Training Program in the United States by Business Facilities for the third consecutive year and by Area Development in 2025. The program, created by VEDP in collaboration with higher education partners, provides world-class training and recruitment solutions that are customized to a company's unique operations, equipment, standards, and culture. All program services are provided at no cost to qualified new and expanding companies as an incentive for job creation. To establish a globally recognized biopharmaceutical training system, all training and education, including community colleges and universities, will be aligned with international best practices and standards.

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