A West Virginia-based manufacturer of mining machinery and equipment will invest $3.1 million to establish its first Virginia operation in Bland County. The project will create 50 jobs.

W&B Fabricators Inc., a provider of fabrication and welding services, has operated in West Virginia for more than 24 years. The company services major coal operators in Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky and Pennsylvania.

Gov. Bob McDonnell approved a $100,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund for the project. The Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission also approved $100,000 in funds. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide funding and services for W&B Fabricators Inc.’s recruitment, training and retraining activities.

Virginia competed against Tennessee and West Virginia for the project.