ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, February 12, 1997 TAG: 9702120109
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: B-6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: RICHARD FOSTER
Grayson Electronics Co. is a high-tech operation - it makes components for cellular phone carriers - but it needed a low-tech solution to overcome problems that kept it from moving into new quarters in Bedford County.
Grayson and its sister company, Allen Telecom Systems, planned to move their combined 175-employee work force into a new building in Forest this month. But they were stalled by the lack of a railroad signal on Vista Centre Drive, a new industrial access road from U.S. 221 to the building.
The Virginia Department of Transportation said Grayson could use the road to move its equipment into the building, but its employees wouldn't be allowed to drive there until Norfolk Southern put a permanent crossing signal on the road in late March. That meant Grayson would have to keep many employees in temporary and crowded facilities for another month.
VDOT and NS this week worked out a temporary solution until the crossing arm can be installed: The two trains that use the spur line each day will stop, and a crossing guard will leave the train and wave a flag while the train passes.
"That works for us," said Dave Cushman, Grayson's senior vice president.
"I'm so thrilled that with everyone working together, we were able to resolve the problem," said Sue Gilbert, Bedford County's economic development director.
The companies will start moving Feb. 21, about a week behind schedule, Cushman said.
LENGTH: Short : 35 linesby CNB