Albemarle gets a little CustomInk

A McLean-based company specializing in custom apparel has announced that it will expand its operation into Albemarle County — and bring as many as 100 jobs with it.

CustomInk.com, a digital screen-printing operation that makes customer-created T-shirts and other apparel, will move into space in the former Comdial building near Sperry Marine on U.S. 29, company officials said Friday.

The company’s decision came after months of searching Virginia and Pennsylvania for a location where the company could expand its production, printing and shipping operations.

“We did look all over,” said Allyson Ayers, CustomInk.com spokeswoman. “[Central Virginia] is a great area and the location is good for the [company’s] eastern U.S. workflow as far as shipping and coverage are concerned. We’re very excited.”

Ayers isn’t the only one. Area economic development recruiters worked with the company, Gov. Bob McDonnell’s office and state economic development teams to woo CustomInk.

“This company is exactly the kind of employer we’re looking for because it helps provide those middle-income jobs that we lost in the [recession],” said Michael Harvey, president of the Thomas Jefferson Partnership for Economic Development. “They’ll provide production jobs, designer jobs, office positions and the kind of employment that will have a positive impact on a lot of people.”

The private company uses online design software for customers to create and order custom-decorated products for their groups and events, including businesses, student groups, sport leagues, family reunions and the like.

“Our customers are looking to provide unique goods for special occasions like wedding anniversaries, showers and special events, and they’re emotionally involved with the product,” Ayers said. “Our website offers them the chance to create their own designs and work with our designers and production people to create a special product. It’s designed to be a good experience for the customer.”

“This is an exciting step for CustomInk,” said Marc Katz, company president. “The Charlottesville location should create the right conditions for the success of our production operation and give us a lot of flexibility over the long-term.”

Harvey said getting the CustomInk operation was not an immediate lock.

“They were interested in a couple of sites,” Harvey said. “There was a whole team of folks and a months-long process to find them the right location and the challenge was finding the real estate for their operation. We are glad they saw our area as the place to locate.”

CustomInk was founded in March 2000 and currently employs more than 275 people, officials said. The company already has 32 people on the payroll in Albemarle County and is hiring printers, designers and other positions.

“It is always gratifying to see a Virginia company grow throughout the commonwealth,” said Jim Cheng, Virginia’s secretary of commerce and trade. “CustomInk has a unique story and has experienced great success due to impressive leadership and enthusiastic team members. I am confident that the company will continue this trajectory in Albemarle County.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Albemarle County and the TJPED to secure the project for Virginia, officials said. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance’s Virginia Jobs Investment Program will assist the company’s recruitment and training activities.

“Albemarle County is thrilled to provide a home for CustomInk’s expansion,” said Ann H. Mallek, chairwoman of the county Board of Supervisors. “We believe Albemarle County is well positioned to meet the company’s current and long-term needs for a dynamic workforce.”