There are not many businesses, during the COVID-19 pandemic, that are building new plants and providing meaningful, long-term career opportunities, according to Morgan Olson, which noted that its step vans are in demand more than ever, delivering essential supplies and services. 

In October of 2019, Morgan Olson President & CEO, Mike Ownbey publically shared, “Morgan Olson’s Ringgold, Va., plant will be operational by June of 2020.” Morgan Olson took ownership of the building in March of 2020 and within four months, transformed the previous furniture manufacturing plant into a 925,000 sq.-ft. state-of-the-art automotive manufacturing facility that is now operational.

"The step vans we make are delivering life-saving medical supplies to hospitals and homes. Our step vans also deliver food and water to people’s doorstep. Even our municipality step vans are hard at work, providing cities with infrastructure support to power and gas companies all across our nation. Now add that the vast majority of anything ordered online- are being delivered by Morgan Olson package delivery step vans. Morgan Olson is growing, and this new Ringgold, Va., plant is essential to supporting to these many needs," Ownbey added.

Morgan Olson shared that it is well ahead of its goal of employing 703 new team members at the Ringgold, Va., plant by the end of 2021, currently employing over 300 new team members.  

Morgan Olson’s strong partnership with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) and the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance (SVRA) also contributed greatly to achieving this timeline goal. “We applaud Morgan Olson for accomplishing its mission to start production on time, and for hiring more than 300 workers since the October announcement—a major feat at any point, and even more so during a global pandemic,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball. “

Morgan Olson will be planning an official ribbon-cutting ceremony once pandemic travel restrictions are lifted for their valued customers, state and city officials,Morgan Olson Reveals Class 2 DOT-Free Step Van and team members.