2004 Large Businesses of the Year Honored

Each year the Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors honors local companies that contribute to the county’s economy and its citizens. The intent is to give recognition to small, medium and large organizations that consistently uphold the principles and standards of ethical business practices and that advertise and sell with integrity, participate consistently in community, trade associations and local programs that better our county and region.

For the first time, there was a tie for this honor between two nominees in the large business category; however, it was felt both organizations were worthy of this recognition. The Board of Supervisors, and the selection committee, awarded Defense
Supply Center Richmond (DSCR) and DuPont Spruance
Site, as the recipient of Chesterfield County’s 2004 Large Business of the Year Award.

Defense Supply Center Richmond

DSCR occupies over 600 acres along the I-95 corridor in southern Chesterfield County and employs approximately 3,000 employees. It has been a consistent, dependable supplier of quality goods and services to those defending the nation around the world since it was activated in 1942.

In 1996, DSCR was designated as the lead center for aviation consumable support within the Department of Defense. In this role, they serve as the primary source of supply for nearly 850,000 repair parts with a direct application to aviation. The center receives about 8,000 demands a day, or about a quarter of a million demands a month from all corners of the world.

The installation is the recipient of numerous citations and certificates for its community service. The Virginia Blood Services presented its Award of Achievement to DSCR again in 2003 for outstanding contributions to the community. DSCR participates in one of the largest school partnerships in the Richmond Metropolitan area. Over 150 volunteers donate time to our command-sponsored programs with four area schools. Employees again led the way for federal agencies in the Richmond metropolitan area, donating a record $262,000 to the Combined Federal Campaign in 2003.

Congratulations to Admiral Michael J. Lyden and all the DSCR employees!

DuPont Spruance Site

DuPont Spruance plant was built on a 500-acre parcel in 1929, and today employs 2,600 employees. The Spruance plant belongs to the DuPont worldwide family of plants that manufactures and produces products from chemicals for every possible use imaginable. DuPont recently celebrated its 200th birthday. Over these two centuries the company has evolved from manufacturing black powder and explosives, to chemicals, energy and modern materials.

During the past ten years, DuPont has spent over $550 million to expand and modernize the Spruance businesses’ assets. In May 2001, DuPont announced a $50 million capital investment to increase production of Kevlar® fiber at the Spruance site.

DuPont materials and technologies have offered innovations designed to maximize safety, mobility, survivability and sustainability. Some products include: CVC flame resistant coveralls, flak jackets, personnel and cargo parachutes.

DuPont sponsors many community causes and encourages its employees to volunteer in community activities. Employees volunteer in a wide variety of civic groups, athletic teams, rescue squads, and volunteer fire departments. The DuPont Volunteer Recognition Program recognizes employees who are contributors not only at work, but also in the community as volunteers. The recognition consists of a $1,000 award to the community organization and an annual recognition event to honor the employee. A few community organizations are as follows: Bensley Elementary, Meals on Wheels, American Red Cross, Virginia Muscular Dystrophy and Chesterfield Alternatives.

Congratulations to Mike Mayberry, Plant Manager, and all the DuPont employees!