Virginia Manufacturers Association visits STIHL during Manufacturing Appreciation Week Words: Anita Gambill/Public/News/20111122150000-1.jpg" width="600" height="338" border="0" alt="The Virginia Manufacturers Association visited STIHL Inc.'s Virginia Beach plant" />The Virginia Manufacturers Association visited STIHL Inc.'s Virginia Beach plant STIHL Inc. recently welcomed the Virginia Manufacturers Association (VMA) and several state and local officials to the Virginia Beach plant on Thursday, October 20, 2011 as part of Virginia’s Manufacturing Appreciation Week. The visit included a tour of the plant and facility, led by Simon Nance, training manager for STIHL Inc. Manufacturing represents $34 billion dollars of Virginia’s gross state product and employs six percent of the state’s private workers. STIHL alone employs more than 2,000 people. “We are honored to host the VMA at our facility in light of the first Manufacturing Appreciation Week in Virginia,” said Peter Mueller, executive vice president for STIHL Inc. “The VMA’s focus on developing policies on behalf of the industry directly supports STIHL and all other manufacturing based companies in the state, and we are happy to see their dedication rewarded by an official proclamation from the governor.” "STIHL represents the 'platinum standard' in world class manufacturing. Showcasing this company's facilities, employees, achievements and leadership was the highlight of Virginia Manufacturing Appreciation Week," stated Brett Vassey, VMA president and CEO. Recognizedby Governor Bob McDonnell, Manufacturing Appreciation Week in the Commonwealth of Virginia took place October 17 thru October 21. Among the distinguished guests were elected officials Senator Harry Blevins, Senator Jeff McWaters and Delegate Bob Purkey. Scott Tilley, VMA board member and general counsel for STIHL Inc. was also in attendance.