J&J Truck Sales to expand, create 27 new jobs in Chatham

CHATHAM, Va. — A local purveyor of dump trucks is slated to break ground on a new facility directly adjacent to its current operation on U.S. Highway 29 in Chatham.

Gov. Ralph Northam Monday announced that J&J Truck Sales, Inc. is investing over $5 million to expand operations in Pittsylvania County, a move that will engender 27 new jobs. The company, which has been a prominent feature in the vista of commerce in Chatham for over 25 years, is a national leader in the used dump truck industry, as well as a major player in other construction equipment sales and rentals. The $5.2 million investment will see the firm increase its automotive-based equipment repair, refurbishment and fabrication capacity to target the construction markets of the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions. The new facility, when completed, will tally 45,000 square feet.

"“J&J Truck Sales has been a proud part of the Pittsylvania County community for the past quarter century,” said Jackie Atkinson, Owner of J&J Truck Sales, Inc. “We appreciate our partners at the county and state level who have worked hand-in-hand with us to help make Southside Virginia the best option for expansion. J&J is growing, and our new Chatham facility will be critical in supporting that growth. This is an exciting time to be in the Danville-Pittsylvania County area, and we look forward to being an integral part for many years to come."

A $50,000 grant from the Commonwealth's Opportunity Fund was granted in Richmond to assist with the expansion.

"I am pleased that J&J Truck Sales, Inc. has chosen to build on its success in Pittsylvania County by expanding its facility in our community,” said Bob Warren, Chairman of the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors. “J&J Truck Sales is a valued commercial member of Pittsylvania County, and we are excited to see the continued success and additional jobs opportunities that will come from this expansion and investment in our county.”

J&J Truck Sales is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. The company also earned an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau at its most recent evaluation.

“J&J Truck Sales has been a long-time fixture on Route 29 in our community,” said Sen. Bill Stanley (R-20). “The company has been a valuable asset to our local economy and continues to be an integral part of our construction, agricultural, and heavy industry business success here in our region. Businesses rely on J&J Truck Sales and there are many residents of Pittsylvania County that depend on J&J for their livelihoods. Today’s announcement of the company’s planned expansion of its facility and the addition of 27 new, good-paying jobs is great news and a big win for both Chatham and Virginia.”

Other local representatives echoed the excitement and congratulation that has been extended to J&J from Chatham to Richmond.

“That Pittsylvania County will be home to this new business investment and resulting job growth is great news for our community,” said Del. Les Adams. “I congratulate J&J Truck Sales on this significant expansion and appreciate the efforts of everyone who coordinated the resources necessary to launch this endeavor.”