Press Releases

U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) visited Simmons Equipment Company in Lebanon, Virginia. Company leaders facilitated a tour of the assembly plant and held a roundtable discussion to update the Congressman on the company’s operations and progress. 

“As a fighter for coal in Washington, D.C., I understand the importance of equipping our coal miners with the necessary tools to succeed and flourish. Simmons Equipment Company meets the moment, producing and assembling quality soft rock mining equipment in Russell and Tazewell Counties. The company’s recent expansion of operations into Russell County supports job creation and economic growth in the region. I am appreciative of the Simmons team for showing me their facility and discussing issues that matter to their continued success,” said Representative Griffith.

“We are excited about our continued growth here in Southwest Virginia. Our company continues to expand our products and presence both domestically and internationally. We were honored to host Congressman Griffith at our new location in Russell County and share some of these exciting developments,” said Matt Simmons, President/CEO of Simmons Equipment Company. 

Those present for the tour and roundtable were Simmons COO John Simmons, Simmons General Manager Brandon Keen, Simmons Business Development Manager Jim Allison and Tyler Lester of State Senator Todd Pillion’s office.

BACKGROUND

In July 2024, Governor Youngkin announced that Simmons Equipment Company made a $8.5 million investment to expand manufacturing operations into Russell County.

Founded in Tazewell County in 2005, Simmons Equipment Company is a soft rock mining equipment manufacturer that employs cutting-edge engineering and technology to offer customized solutions to meet customer’s needs, providing equipment that unleashes maximum productivity while ensuring the health and safety of the miners who use it. Simmons manufactures a wide range of equipment for the soft rock mining sector, including battery and diesel-powered scoops, haulers, and longwall support vehicles. The expansion will also allow for further product line expansion.

Congressman Griffith is Co-Chair of the Congressional Coal Caucus. In 2024, the Washington Coal Club awarded Congressman Griffith with the Outstanding Achievement Award, recognizing his work to promote federal policies that support coal jobs and continued use of coal.

In April of 2025, Congressman Griffith attended a White House event where President Trump signed a series of executive orders aimed at boosting the American coal industry.

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