An Austrian-based company will establish its first US operations in the Roanoke Valley, and it’s more good economic news for Botetourt County. FCTech will manufacture specialty optical fiber at a new plant just north of Daleville. It’s the fifth big economic development announcement this year in the county, and this one means 25 prized high-tech jobs paying an average of $70,000 to $80,000 a year. The president of FCTech says there are several reasons they chose the Roanoke Valley from all the US possibilities. He spoke with WFIR’s Evan Jones.
Karl Bauer says the reasons for coming here include the proximity to Virginia Tech’s engineering know-how and the not-too-long drive to Washington D.C. and its international airport. Bauer says the Roanoke Valley’s natural setting played an important role with its mountains, forests, and no stressful urban commutes that can help employees “recharge” after a stressful day at work. Construction of the FCTech facility should begin within weeks.
