About 20 Workers Will Be Affected
XFS Global, a manufacturer of deployable fabric shelters that’s been operating out of the Natural Bridge Station industrial park the past two years, is leaving Rockbridge County and relocating to Graniteville, S.C.
The company has employed as many as 52 people here but has about 20 workers in Rockbridge County now. It plans to phase out its local operations by the end of this year or early next year. XFS Global has been leasing 34,000 square feet of industrial space in the former Heatex building at 70 Douglas Way, Natural Bridge Station.
Brandy Flint, Rockbridge County’s director of economic development, said company leadership indicated the move “is part of a broader vertical integration strategy to consolidate several businesses they have acquired over the past few years into a single facility. The South Carolina plant, which is approximately 200,000 square feet, will allow XFS Global to bring operations under one roof.”
She said she’s aware of “about 20 local employees that have been or will be impacted. The Rapid Response Team with Virginia Career Works has been contacted and is already providing assistance and support to affected workers.”
The company moved to Rockbridge County from Las Vegas, Nev., in 2023, with plans to hire up to 60 employees. The number of employees peaked at 52 earlier this year, said Flint, “with many team members working off-site or remotely as part of the company’s sales, installation and senior management teams.”
Company officials told her that the loss of some employees to Modine Manufacturing “had presented operational challenges … “While we are certainly disappointed to see XFS Global leave Rockbridge County, we understand their strategic decision to consolidate operations to strengthen their business and position for long-term success.”
The Natural Bridge Station facility, she said, will be available for sublease in early 2026.
