South Boston Business Thrives During Recession

Reporter: James Gherardi l Videographer: Jonathan Merryman

South Boston, VA - A company in South Boston is growing as many others close their doors. Lindstrand USA has managed to expand and increase revenue.

This week, they were honored at the University of Virginia as one of the commonwealth's most resilient businesses.

Linstrand USA manufactures inflatable structures and light weight air vehicles for the military. On Wednesday, they won UVA's Tayloe Murphy Resilience Award for the most resilient manufacturing business in the commonwealth. The award is given to a business that has beaten the odds.

Seven years ago, Lindstrand opened in South Boston. They had five employees and filled maybe two orders a month. This same company today employs more than 30 and is looking to expand.

Lindstrand management says it's the pride in each of their employees that has elevated them to their level of success.

We need to do the best job we can here so they're successful out there," said David Ragland a Lindstrand employee.

"We all take pride in that because we know it's going overseas to our service members fighting for us," said Jerry Perkins, a Lindstrand employee.

Lindstrand is not your everyday business. Many of their products are inflatable hospitals or command centers that are shipped overseas to the military in places like Afghanistan.

"We know that the product when it leaves here is 100%. We've never had a customer complaint; we've never had a return," said Joseph Jones, a Lindstrand employee.

Lindstrand's operation has surged. In their first year, revenue wasn't more than $500,000. This year, they estimate they'll pull in well over $3 million.

Whether it's building an inflatable hospital or a drone for the U.S. military, the employees here love coming to work.

"I actually thought it was pretty cool and I liked what I saw around. I liked the environment. I saw the people, I saw what they did and it made me very interested in what they did here," said Ragland.

Lindstrand beat out more than 80 businesses to win the UVA award. Lindstrand workers say they feel they are an important part of revitalizing the Southside's struggling economy.