Bristol Virginia Leaders Have Approved An Incentive Package For American Merchant. The Council Accepted 800-Thousand Dollars In Grant Money Which Will Go To The Company When It Begins Operating A City Facility And Meets Certain Qualifications. American Merchant Acquired The Former Ball Corporation Plant And Intends To Invest Millions To Establish A Towel Manufacturing And Distribution Center. The Company Is Expected To Hire 405 People. Meanwhile, The City Approved Refinancing About 77 Million Dollars In Short And Long Term Bonds. The Council Received The 2016-17 Financial Audit And It Was Clean With Only Three Minor Findings.