Building on established clusters
Bedford County offers excellent incentives, workforce training programs, and a superb quality of life.
Because of these factors, we are the location of choice for industries in several target clusters. Industries including nuclear, wireless communication, advanced manufacturing, agribusiness, and food and beverage have a significant presence in our county and region.
They all provide great opportunities for supply chain companies to locate here as well. Your business may be a perfect fit, so contact us today to learn more!
Nuclear Energy
Virginia has emerged as a national leader in advancing the next generation of nuclear energy, and Bedford County is strategically positioned within this growing industry. The region is anchored by global nuclear technology leaders BWX Technologies (BWXT) and Framatome, both of which maintain headquarters, major operations, and advanced manufacturing facilities nearby.
Supporting these industry leaders is a robust network of specialized suppliers, engineering firms, and advanced manufacturers that contribute to the nuclear energy supply chain. Together, these companies have created a highly skilled workforce and a collaborative business environment that continues to drive innovation, strengthen domestic energy security, and support the future of clean, reliable nuclear power.
Wireless Communication
Bedford County has been a hub for wireless communications innovation for decades. Anchored by industry leader L3Harris (formerly Ericsson Inc.), the region has cultivated a thriving ecosystem of wireless technology companies over the past 25 years.
This concentration of expertise has positioned the region at the forefront of the wireless communications industry, fostering innovation in next-generation technologies and delivering advanced wireless solutions that power today’s connected world. From research and development to engineering and manufacturing, Bedford County’s wireless communications sector continues to shape the future of digital connectivity.
Manufacturing
Manufacturing represents nearly 10 percent of Bedford County’s employment base and remains a cornerstone of our local economy. Today’s manufacturers are far from traditional assembly-line operations. Instead, they are innovative problem-solvers, designing, engineering, and producing advanced products and equipment that serve industries around the world.
Companies such as Belvac, ProMach | Sentry, and Simplimatic, a Signode Company, along with a strong network of specialized suppliers and manufacturers, are driving innovation while providing high-quality careers for our workforce. Together, these companies demonstrate Bedford County’s long-standing tradition of making things—and making them exceptionally well.
Food & Beverage
Bedford County offers an ideal environment for food and beverage manufacturers seeking a strategic location with abundant natural resources, a strong workforce, and excellent transportation access. Positioned within a region that is home to major industry leaders such as Southern Flavoring, Abbott Nutrition and Frito-Lay, Bedford County benefits from an established food and beverage manufacturing ecosystem and experienced talent pipeline.
One of the county’s greatest competitive advantages is its exceptional water resources. Access to high-quality, reliable water—combined with available industrial sites, robust utility infrastructure, and proximity to major highways and East Coast markets—makes Bedford County an attractive destination for food processing, beverage production, and value-added agricultural businesses.
Agribusiness
Agriculture has long been a cornerstone of Bedford County’s economy and continues to play a vital role in our community’s prosperity. With nearly 184,000 acres of farmland, approximately 1,200 farms, and more than 1,500 agriculture-related jobs, Bedford County is one of Virginia’s premier locations for agriculture and agribusiness.
Agriculture is the county’s largest industry by land area, with 37.7% of all land dedicated to farming. The average farm encompasses 155 acres, and cattle and calves remain the county’s most valuable agricultural commodity. Together, Bedford County’s farms generate more than $29.2 million in annual farm sales (2022 U.S. Census of Agriculture).
Beyond traditional farming, Bedford County is fostering a vibrant local food economy. The Bedford Grown initiative connects consumers with locally grown and raised products through a distinctive certification seal, helping producers build brand recognition, strengthen customer loyalty, and increase sales. From family farms to value-added food producers and agribusinesses, Bedford County offers the land, resources, and agricultural heritage to support continued growth and innovation.
Pharmaceuticals
Until recently, one of Bedford County’s largest employers was an international pharmaceutical company. The company was a leading global pharmaceutical manufacturer, committed to increasing access to high-quality healthcare by developing, producing and marketing affordable generic drugs, as well as innovative and specialty pharmaceuticals and active ingredients. The company left the area, but the workforce remains local!
