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Commonwealth Fusion Systems to Build World’s First Commercial Fusion Power Plant in Chesterfield, Virginia

  • Commonwealth Fusion Systems will independently finance, build, own, and operate the grid-scale fusion power plant in Chesterfield County, Virginia.
  • Dominion Energy Virginia will provide non-financial collaboration, including development and technical expertise as well as leasing rights for the proposed site.

Commonwealth Fusion SystemsCommonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS), the largest private fusion company, today announced that it will make a multi-billion investment to build the world’s first grid-scale commercial fusion power plant at the James River Industrial Center in Chesterfield County, Virginia.

“This is an historic moment for Virginia and the world at large,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “Commonwealth Fusion Systems is not just building a facility, they are pioneering groundbreaking innovation to generate clean, reliable, safe power, and it’s happening right here in Virginia. We are proud to be home to this pursuit to change the future of energy and power.”

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin

As part of this effort, CFS has reached an agreement with Dominion Energy Virginia to provide non-financial collaboration, including development and technical expertise as well as leasing rights for the proposed site. Dominion Energy Virginia currently owns the proposed site.

CFS conducted a global search for the site of its first commercial fusion power plant, known as ARC, which the company will independently finance, build, own, and operate.

“This is a historic moment. In the early 2030s, all eyes will be on the Richmond region and more specifically Chesterfield County, Virginia, as the birthplace of commercial fusion energy,” said Bob Mumgaard, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of Commonwealth Fusion Systems. “Virginia emerged as a strong partner as they look to implement innovative solutions for both reliable electricity and clean forms of power. We are pleased to collaborate with Dominion Energy.”

Bob Mumgaard, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of Commonwealth Fusion Systems

Bob Mumgaard, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of Commonwealth Fusion Systems

“Commonwealth Fusion Systems is the clear industry leader in advancing the exciting energy potential of fusion,” said Edward H. Baine, President of Dominion Energy Virginia. “Our customers’ growing needs for reliable, carbon-free power benefits from as diverse a menu of power generation options as possible, and in that spirit, we are delighted to assist CFS in their efforts.”

CFS ARC Building Rendering

CFS ARC Building Rendering

“This is a tremendous announcement for Chesterfield County, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the future of clean energy generation across the globe,” said Senator Mark Warner. As we continue to build a clean energy economy, fusion energy is poised to play a critical role in providing the firm, reliable, and clean power needed to support growing energy demands in Virginia and across the nation. I’m incredibly proud Virginia will host this first-of-a-kind commercial fusion power plant and look forward to the continued development of this transformational technology.”

 

Commonwealth Fusion Systems Announcement

“I’m thrilled Commonwealth Fusion Systems is investing billions to build a fusion power plant in Chesterfield County, which will create hundreds of jobs. The large-scale commercialization of this technology, which I saw when I visited a lab at Massachusetts Institute of Technology a decade ago, was made possible by federal funding,” said Senator Tim Kaine. “I’m proud of the federal legislation I’ve helped pass that enable Virginia to accelerate its leadership in clean energy, especially the Inflation Reduction Act that provides strong tax incentives for CFS locating on the Chesterfield site.”

James River Industrial Center Location in Chesterfield Virginia

Commonwealth Fusion Systems Project Location in Chesterfield Virginia

“I am delighted that a clean energy innovator such as Commonwealth Fusion Systems has selected Chesterfield County for this groundbreaking plant,” said Senator Ghazala Hashmi. “This announcement is a major milestone in Virginia’s energy history.”

“This innovative power plant represents both a major step forward for clean energy generation and good jobs for residents of Chesterfield County and the Richmond area,” said Delegate Delores McQuinn. “I am excited to see the results of this groundbreaking investment.”

 

Commonwealth Fusion Systems Announcement

Commonwealth Fusion Systems Announcement

“The Board of Supervisors is grateful this innovative company has chosen Chesterfield for its new fusion facility,” said Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors Chairman James Holland. “Chesterfield is the home of many firsts, and we welcome the opportunity to be a part of Commonwealth Fusion System’s pursuit to be the world’s first grid-scale commercial fusion power plant. The county’s prime location, educated workforce, and competitive tax structure make us the perfect choice for this pioneering business.”

Commonwealth Fusion Systems Project Site in James River Industrial Center

Commonwealth Fusion Systems Project Site in James River Industrial Center

The new ARC fusion power plant will support economic development and the clean energy goals project is expected to generate billions of dollars in economic development in the region and create hundreds of jobs during the construction and long-term operation of the power plant. ARC will generate about 400 megawatts of electricity — enough energy to power large industrial sites or about 150,000 homes.

CFS is currently completing development of its fusion demonstration machine, SPARC, at its headquarters in Devens, Massachusetts. SPARC is expected to produce its first plasma in 2026 and net fusion energy shortly after, demonstrating for the first time a commercially relevant design that will produce more power than consumed. SPARC paves the way for ARC, which is expected to deliver power to the grid in the early 2030s.

Commonwealth Fusion Systems Facility Rendering

Commonwealth Fusion Systems Facility Rendering

CFS was spun out of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2018. Since then, it has raised more than $2 billion in capital. In addition to this private capital, CFS has been awarded $16.5 million in grants from the Department of Energy. The most recent grant of $15 million was announced in June 2024 as part of the first phase of the DOE’s Milestone-Based Fusion Development Program.

The Virginia Department of Energy partnered with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, Chesterfield County, and Dominion Energy to secure this project.

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CONTACTS

Chesterfield Economic Development
Contact: Matt McLaren
Email: mclarenm@chesterfield.gov
Website: chesterfieldfits.com

Commonwealth Fusion Systems:
Contact: Christine Dunn
Email: press@cfs.energy
Website: cfs.energy

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Plenty Opens World’s First Farm To Grow Indoor, Vertically Farmed Berries At Scale in Chesterfield, Virginia

Plenty Richmond Farm will exclusively grow Driscoll’s strawberries, creating year-round local supply to drive category growth in top U.S. berry region.

Plenty LogoToday, Plenty Unlimited Inc. opened the world’s first farm to grow indoor, vertically farmed berries at scale. Plenty farms are the most technologically advanced farms in the world – removing the unpredictability of Mother Nature and making it possible to grow produce with peak-season flavor, year-round, almost anywhere in the world.

The Plenty Richmond Farm is designed to produce more than 4 million pounds of strawberries annually in less than 40,000 square feet by growing vertically on 30-foot-tall towers. The farm will exclusively grow Driscoll’s strawberries, combining Plenty’s advanced technology with global premium berry leader Driscoll’s advanced genetics. The first strawberries from the farm will be available in early 2025.

“With agriculture serving as the Commonwealth’s largest private sector industry, Plenty choosing Virginia for the world’s first farm to grow indoor, vertically farmed berries at scale reinforces Virginia’s leading role in the controlled environment agriculture industry,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “Plenty’s farm will boost local agriculture production and drive economic development, all while diversifying against risks and protecting the environment. We look forward to supporting their innovative approaches to revolutionizing the industry, and know that Plenty’s success will be Virginia’s success.”

2024-09-24 - Plenty Ribbon Cutting - CR6_6925-1280

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin

While most vertical farms are limited to lettuces, Plenty spent the past decade designing a patent-pending, modular growing system flexible enough to support a wide variety of crops – including strawberries.

Growing on vertical towers enables uniform delivery of nutrients, superior airflow and more intense lighting, delivering increased yield with consistent quality.

Every element of the Plenty Richmond Farm–including temperature, light and humidity–is precisely controlled through proprietary software to create the perfect environment for the strawberry plants to thrive.

The farm uses AI to analyze more than 10 million data points each day across its 12 grow rooms, adapting each grow room’s environment to the evolving needs of the plants – creating the perfect environment for Driscoll’s proprietary plants to thrive and optimizing the strawberries’ flavor, texture and size.

Even pollination has been engineered by Plenty, using a patent-pending method that evenly distributes controlled airflow across the strawberry flowers for more efficient and effective pollination than using bees, supporting more uniform strawberry size and shape.

Plenty Worker“This farm is a model for the positive impact climate-agnostic agriculture can have, and proof that vertical farming can deliver the crop diversity, scaled and local production needed to future-proof the global food system,” said Arama Kukutai, Plenty CEO. “The Plenty Richmond Farm is the culmination of 200 research trials over the past six years to perfect growing strawberries with consistent peak-season flavor indoors year-round. Driscoll’s sets an incredibly high bar for the quality of its berries and we’re excited to join forces to consistently deliver an ultra-premium Driscoll’s strawberry year-round.”

2024-09-24 - Plenty Ribbon Cutting - CR6_6976-1280

Plenty CEO Arama Kukutai

The Plenty Richmond Farm brings year-round production of fresh produce within a one-day drive of more than 100 million consumers. Growing locally reduces food miles and food waste, and the farm itself uses 97 percent less land and up to 90 percent less water than conventional farming.

Driscolls Strawberries“Partnering with Plenty for the launch of the Richmond Farm allows us to bring our premium strawberries closer to consumers in the Northeast, the largest berry consumption region in the U.S.,” said Soren Bjorn, Driscoll’s CEO. “By combining our 100 years of farming expertise and proprietary varieties along with Plenty’s cutting-edge technology, we can deliver the same consistent flavor and quality our customers love—now grown locally. This new innovative farm is a powerful step forward in continuing to drive category growth in new ways for our customers and consumers.”

2024-09-24 - Plenty Ribbon Cutting - IMG_4776-1280

The Plenty Richmond Farm is slated to bring more than 60 jobs to Virginia and is the first farm to open on Plenty’s 120-acre farm campus. The Plenty Richmond Farm Campus is the largest indoor vertical farm campus in the world and a projected $300 million investment that is planned to bring more than 300 total jobs to Virginia. For more information about Plenty’s local career opportunities, please visit www.plenty.ag/careers.

2024-09-24 - Plenty Ribbon Cutting - CR6_7042-1280

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CONTACT

Chesterfield Economic Development
Contact: Matt McLaren
Email: mclarenm@chesterfield.gov

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Condair Group Chooses Chesterfield for New $57.2 million Factory

Governor Glenn Youngkin today announced that Condair Group AG, an international evaporative technologies manufacturing company, will invest $57.2 million to establish a new production facility in Chesterfield.

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Topsoe Chooses Meadowville for New State-of-the-Art USA Electrolyzer Factory

Governor Glenn Youngkin today announced that Topsoe, a Danish manufacturer and global leader in carbon emission reduction technologies, will invest more than $400 million to build a factory at the Meadowville Technology Park in Chesterfield County.

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Plenty Chooses Chesterfield for the World’s Largest Campus for Indoor Vertical Farming

California-based Plenty Unlimited Inc. will create 300 jobs at $300 million campus in Meadowville Technology Park in Chesterfield County Virginia

Plenty LogoGovernor Glenn Youngkin today announced that California-based Plenty Unlimited Inc. will build the world’s largest indoor vertical farming campus, a $300 million investment in Chesterfield County’s Meadowville Technology Park. The company recently secured $400 million in a Series E financing round, the largest investment to date for an indoor farming company.

Plenty has developed the world’s most advanced indoor farm, powered by the company’s more than 200 patent assets, to efficiently and sustainably grow clean, flavorful produce year-round on its more than 30-foot grow towers.

Virginia Governor - Glenn Youngkin

Virginia Governor – Glenn Youngkin

Plenty will complete its Richmond Farm Campus in multiple phases over the next six years, creating more than 300 full-time jobs. The company’s first farm on this site, a dedicated Driscoll’s berry farm to be completed by winter 2023-2024, will be the first to grow indoor, vertically farmed strawberries at scale.

Virginia successfully competed with five other states for the project, which further advances the Commonwealth’s reputation as a leader in the fast-growing industry of Controlled Environment Agriculture.

Meadowville-Aerial-with-Plenty-Site“Plenty’s decision to establish its first major east coast vertical farming campus in Virginia shines a spotlight on the advantages that make the Commonwealth the best location in the nation for companies growing our food safely and sustainably indoors,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “This transformational project further bolsters Virginia’s agriculture and technology industries and positions the Commonwealth as a leader in this next generation of agriculture. I am pleased to welcome Plenty to Virginia and look forward to the company’s growth and success in Chesterfield County.”

Plenty Campus Site“Indoor farming is fundamentally changing agribusiness with environmentally and socially responsible farming technologies that make local, sustainable produce available to more communities,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick. “Plenty will be able to easily grow and distribute fresh products to thousands of customers from its new campus in Chesterfield County, reinforcing the benefits of Virginia’s strategic location and dedicated workforce. We are proud to welcome Plenty to the Commonwealth and thank the company for further advancing the Controlled Environment Agriculture industry in Virginia.”

Plenty Phase One Site“There will come a day when we look back in disbelief that we would source fresh produce from half a world away, when companies like Plenty are proving that we can grow that same produce right here, year-round, in a way that not only tastes better, but that is also dramatically better for our environment,” said Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matthew Lohr. “Technological advancement is what drives the industry of agriculture forward, so I am thrilled Virginia is playing a leading role in the indoor farming revolution that is changing, for the better, where much of our food is coming from.”

Plenty - Berry Farm Render

Plenty – Berry Farm Render

“At Plenty, we’re on a mission to sustainably grow fresh food for everyone, everywhere,” said Plenty CEO Arama Kukutai. “This campus will raise the bar on what indoor vertical farming can deliver. The scale and sophistication of what we’re building here in Virginia will make it possible to economically grow a variety of produce with superior quality and flavor. We look forward to continuing to work in close partnership with the government of Virginia as we endeavor to rewrite the rules of agriculture.”

Plenty CEO Arama Kukutai

Plenty CEO – Arama Kukutai

“Bringing the world’s largest indoor vertical farming facility to Chesterfield is a tremendous success for the county,” said Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors Chairman Chris Winslow. “Indoor vertical farming is a growing and important way to bring fresh, locally grown products to consumers throughout the year and Plenty Unlimited is the national leader in this field. We could not be more pleased to welcome them to Chesterfield.”

Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors Chairman - Chris Winslow

Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors Chairman – Chris Winslow

“We are excited that Plenty has chosen Chesterfield County for their first East Coast facility,” said Felicia Howard, Vice President Economic Development Strategy, Dominion Energy. “Dominion Energy looks forward to providing them the necessary power to successfully reach new markets.”

“It is clear that access to an expanding international trade gateway was key in Plenty Unlimited’s strategic decision to come to Chesterfield County and we look forward to partnering with them as their global gateway,” said Stephen A. Edwards, CEO and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority. “Plenty is building a one-of-a-kind, environmentally conscious vertical farming operation and this company’s sustainability philosophy aligns with The Port of Virginia’s larger goal of becoming completely carbon neutral by 2040. Virginia is the top location for agriculture-related cargo, and we welcome of the news of Plenty’s investment in Virginia.”

Meadowville Technololgy Park Location

Meadowville Technology Park is a premiere, master-planned, publicly owned industrial park located in business-friendly Chesterfield County, Virginia. The park sits at the junction of Interstate 295 and the historic James River. Meadowville Technology Park is one of Virginia’s largest, most innovative and most connected employment centers. Learn more at Meadowville.com

“Innovation, technology, and agriculture go hand-in-hand in Virginia, and we are thrilled that Chesterfield County will soon be home to the world’s largest indoor farming campus,” said Jennifer Wakefield, President and CEO of the Greater Richmond Partnership. “We’re pleased that Plenty is the latest sustainable company to select Greater Richmond to grow their operations.”

“Plenty Unlimited Inc.’s decision to expand in Chesterfield County is welcomed news,” said Congressman A. Donald McEachin. “This sizable investment in our Commonwealth will create hundreds of jobs, bolster our agricultural industry, and increase healthy food production while doing so in an efficient and environmentally friendly way. I am proud that Virginia is helping lead in the indoor farming space, and I look forward to Plenty Unlimited’s success in our Commonwealth.”

“I am beyond proud to hear that Plenty will be making Virginia’s largest vertical farming investment,” said Senator Joseph D. Morrissey. “Not only is Plenty investing $300 million, they will also be bringing 300 much-needed jobs. It is initiatives such as this one that will make Central Virginia, and the Commonwealth as a whole, thrive for generations to come.”

“Access to fresh fruits and vegetables is a key component of healthy and thriving communities, so I am thrilled to welcome Plenty to Meadowville, where they will be leading the way in vertical farming technology right here in the 62nd district,” said Delegate Carrie Coyner. “Families in our community cannot wait to pick up a carton of strawberries in our local grocery stores and have peace of mind knowing they were grown right here in our own backyard and that every time we purchase your products, we are supporting our local economy.”

Plenty - Grow Room

Founded in 2014, Plenty is rewriting the rules of agriculture through its advanced technology platform that can grow fresh produce anywhere in the world, year-round, with peak-season quality and up to 350x more yield per acre than conventional farms. Plenty’s proprietary approach preserves the world’s natural resources, makes healthy produce available to all communities, and creates resilience in our food systems against weather, location, pests, and climate. Plenty operates the largest-of-its-kind indoor plant science research facility in Laramie, Wyoming, and is currently building the world’s most advanced, vertical indoor farm in Compton, California.

Plenty - Robot

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services worked with Chesterfield County, the Greater Richmond Partnership, and Dominion Energy to secure the project for Virginia. Governor Youngkin approved a $2.4 million grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund, as well as a $500,000 grant from the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund to assist Chesterfield County in winning this project for Virginia. The company is eligible to receive benefits from the Port of Virginia Economic and Infrastructure Development Zone Grant Program, as well as the Major Business Facility Job Tax Credit for new, full-time jobs created.

Support for Plenty’s job creation will be provided through the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program, a workforce initiative created by VEDP in collaboration with the Virginia Community College System and other higher education partners, with funding support from the Governor’s administration and the Virginia General Assembly. Launched in 2019, the program accelerates new facility start-ups through the direct delivery of recruitment and training services that are fully customized to a company’s unique products, processes, equipment, standards, and culture. All program services are provided at no cost to qualified new and expanding companies as an incentive for job creation.

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CONTACT

Chesterfield Economic Development
Contact: Matt McLaren
Email: mclarenm@chesterfield.gov

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Civica Inc. Investing $27.8 Million for a New Testing Facility in Chesterfield County

Nonprofit generic drug company to create 51 new jobs at testing and R&D lab in Meadowville Technology Park to support Petersburg manufacturing operation

Governor Glenn Youngkin today announced that non-profit Civica Inc. (Civica), with the support of the U.S. Economic Development Administration, will invest $27.8 million to establish a new laboratory testing facility at Meadowville Technology Park in Chesterfield County. The company will construct a 55,000-square-foot facility to support Civica’s Petersburg pharmaceutical manufacturing operation through quality testing and development of new products. The project will create 51 new jobs. In addition, it will host a scale-up manufacturing facility operated by Virginia Commonwealth University’s Medicines for All Institute, which will create additional employment.

Civica Announcement“Civica’s investment, supported by the U.S. Economic Development Administration grant, is another transformational step forward in strengthening the advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing hub in the Richmond-Petersburg region and positioning Virginia as a key player in domestic drug manufacturing in America,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “Civica is a critical partner in the Commonwealth’s emerging pharmaceutical ecosystem that will ensure access to affordable, lifesaving medications while providing high-quality jobs and an incredible boost to our economy.”

Meadowville Aerial with Civica Site

“Civica’s new laboratory testing facility in Chesterfield County extends the footprint of the rapidly growing pharmaceutical manufacturing cluster in the region and will support the coalition’s long-term vision to serve as the world’s central access point for advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing and R&D,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick. “Today we celebrate Virginia’s vital role in addressing the shortage of affordable essential medicines in our nation and the investment in a new facility that will create high-paying jobs and accelerate research and innovation in the industry.”

Civica Announcement BOS

“With this investment, Civica is building on its long-term commitment to patients – and to Virginia,” said Ned McCoy, Civica’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “This lab will support a skilled and highly trained workforce who will ensure Civica’s affordable insulin as well as other essential medicines meet the highest standards.”

Civica Site - Meadowville

“Chesterfield County is thrilled to have Civica’s new laboratory testing facility locate at the Meadowville Technology Park,” said Chesterfield Board of Supervisors Chairman Chris Winslow. “The new facility will play a key role in helping to support the manufacturing and testing of lower-cost generic drugs, which will help bring down costs for our residents.”

“Even prior to Civica’s announcement that they would be placing their headquarters in Petersburg, I was proud of the beneficial products they created. Today, I am ecstatic that they will be investing significantly more in Central Virginia,” said Senator Joseph D. Morrissey. “With their $27.8 million investment, Civica will be a part of Virginia’s much-needed workforce development initiatives. Thank you to Civica for providing Central Virginia, the Commonwealth, and beyond with jobs and necessary, lifesaving pharmaceuticals.”

“I want to welcome Civica to the hardworking manufacturing family in the 62nd district,” said Delegate Carrie E. Coyner. “We are thankful for your corporate commitment of bringing down the cost of medications and specifically to address the accessibility and costs of insulin. Our community is ready to provide the talent and resources for you to reach your goals.”

Civica Concept Plan Meadowville Lane

Civica is a nonprofit generic drug company launched in 2018 to address the problem of chronic generic drug shortages and high drug prices. In January 2021, Civica announced that it will establish a 140,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility to manufacture sterile injectable drugs in the City of Petersburg. In addition to manufacturing essential medicines hospitals use daily, Civica recently announced plans to manufacture and distribute insulins that, once approved, will be available to people with diabetes at significantly lower prices than insulins currently on the market. Civica’s new laboratory testing facility in Chesterfield County is expected to be operational soon after the Petersburg plant reaches commercial scale in 2024.

Civica Announcement VIPs

The construction of the lab will be supported by an award from the U.S. Economic Development Administration to the Alliance for Building Better Medicine, a coalition that aims to expand essential medicines manufacturing in the Richmond-Petersburg region. Civica will provide matching capital.

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Chesterfield County to secure the project for Virginia. Governor Youngkin approved a $400,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist Chesterfield County with the project.

Support for Civica’s job creation will continue to be provided through the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program, a workforce initiative created by VEDP in collaboration with the Virginia Community College System and other higher education partners, with funding support from the Governor’s administration and the Virginia General Assembly. Launched in 2019, the program accelerates new facility start-ups through the direct delivery of recruitment and training services that are fully customized to a company’s unique products, processes, equipment, standards, and culture. All program services are provided at no cost to qualified new and expanding companies as an incentive for job creation.

Brightpoint Community College has built an innovative new training program for people to gain the qualifications needed to qualify for a high-paying Manufacturing Technician role in Civica’s new Petersburg facility. Applicants interested in the program or any of Civica’s wide range of professional career opportunities can visit www.civicacareers.com.

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About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.

CONTACT

Chesterfield Economic Development
Contact: Matt McLaren
Email: mclarenm@chesterfield.gov

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The LEGO Group Chooses Chesterfield County Virginia for New $1 Billion Manufacturing Plant

Global toy manufacturer of the iconic and beloved LEGO® brick to invest more than $1 billion in 1.7 million-square-foot precision manufacturing plant creating over 1,760 new jobs

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin today announced that the LEGO Group will invest over $1 billion to construct its U.S. manufacturing plant in Chesterfield County. The company will construct a new 1.7 million-square-foot precision manufacturing facility in Meadowville Technology Park, which will create over 1,760 new jobs.

Rendering of the new LEGO Group Facility

Rendering of the LEGO Group Facility in Meadowville Technology Park

“The LEGO Group’s decision to establish its U.S. manufacturing plant in Virginia shines a global spotlight on the advantages that make the Commonwealth the best business location in the nation, and we look forward to a long and successful partnership with this iconic company,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “This transformational project will create more than 1,760 jobs and bolster Virginia’s manufacturing industry, which continues its renaissance with major investments by high-caliber corporate partners like the LEGO Group. Thank you to the Senate and House leadership in partnering with our team in this process.”

Rendering of the Entrance to the new LEGO Group Facility

Rendering of the Entrance to the LEGO Group Facility in Meadowville Technology Park

“The LEGO brand is a beloved brand for families across the world, their substantial investment and the creation of over 1,760 new jobs is a tremendous win for Virginia and Chesterfield County,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick. “The Commonwealth’s commitment to infrastructure, education, and workforce is paying dividends, and we are confident the company will benefit from these efforts as it ramps up its U.S. manufacturing plant. We are thrilled to welcome the LEGO Group to Virginia and look forward to the company’s growth in the Commonwealth and the U.S.

Rendering of the LEGO Group Facility in Meadowville Technology Park

Rendering of the LEGO Group Facility in Meadowville Technology Park

Niels B. Christiansen, CEO, the LEGO Group, said, “We were impressed with all that Virginia has to offer, from access to a skilled workforce, support for high-quality manufacturers, and great transport links. We appreciate support for our ambition to build a carbon-neutral run facility and construct a solar park and are looking forward to building a great team with support from the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program.”

The LEGO Group Announcement Numbers

“The LEGO Group’s decision to expand its operations with a manufacturing plant in Chesterfield County is a testament to our Commonwealth’s highly skilled, capable workforce and the strength of Virginia’s economy,” said Rep. A. Donald McEachin (VA-04). “This expansion will provide important opportunities for Virginians, creating over 1,700 new jobs in my district and stimulating economic activity in the Greater Richmond area. I look forward to the LEGO Group’s success here in the Commonwealth.”

“I am so pleased to hear that the LEGO Group will be investing a whopping $1 billion to build a new manufacturing plant at the Meadowville Technology Park in Chesterfield, Virginia,” said Senator Joseph Morrissey. “The over 1,760 jobs that will be created will be a breath of fresh air for the residents of Chesterfield and the surrounding localities. Lastly, I would like to personally thank both Governor Youngkin as well as the LEGO Group for making this joint decision to invest in Central Virginia.”

The LEGO Group Site in Meadowville Technology Park

The LEGO Group Site in Meadowville Technology Park

Meadowville Technology Park is a premiere, master-planned, publicly owned industrial park located in business-friendly Chesterfield County, Virginia. The park sits at the junction of Interstate 295 and the historic James River. Meadowville Technology Park is one of Virginia’s largest, most innovative and most connected employment centers. Learn more at Meadowville.com

“I am thrilled to have the LEGO Group join our Meadowville community of businesses and residents, and I am excited for the opportunities the LEGO Group brings for high-quality jobs and economic growth in our area,” said Delegate Carrie Coyner. “We strive to be the best place to live, work, and play, and I couldn’t think of a better company to join us with its mission focused on the power of play and its commitment to over 1,700 new jobs.”

“The LEGO Group not only has one of the most accessible, fun, and engaging products that help our children learn, but also bring values such as caring deeply for their employees, environmental sustainability, and innovation to reach the highest quality in everything they do,” said Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors Chair Chris Winslow. “We look forward to this marvelous addition to our community. The county also has an award-winning public education system, a skilled workforce, and outstanding training programs that will lead to exceptional job opportunities for a large number of our residents. We simply cannot be more excited by this announcement.”

“Everything is indeed awesome about the LEGO Group selecting Greater Richmond—and specifically Chesterfield County—for their newest manufacturing facility,” said Jennifer Wakefield, President + CEO of the Greater Richmond Partnership. “The LEGO Group’s combination of creativity and sustainable business practices is a perfect fit for our region and we’re happy to help them build for tomorrow.”

Location of Meadowville Technology Park in Chesterfield

Location of Meadowville Technology Park in Chesterfield

“The future economic impact of the LEGO Group’s U.S. manufacturing plant in Chesterfield County cannot be overstated, and we are thrilled to welcome this global household brand to Virginia,” said Major Employment and Investment Project Approval Commission Chair Senator Janet Howell. “Today’s announcement demonstrates that the Commonwealth is an ideal launch pad for major international companies entering the United States, and I commend the team that worked to ensure the LEGO Group selected Virginia. The MEI Commission is proud to play a role in this tremendous project that represents the LEGO Group’s newest chapter of growth.”

“We thank the LEGO Group for its major investment and creating more than 1,700 new jobs in Chesterfield County,” said Major Employment and Investment Project Approval Commission Vice Chair Delegate Barry Knight. “The company’s U.S. manufacturing facility will further expand the LEGO Group’s footprint, and I am pleased the MEI Commission could collaborate with our state, regional, and local partners to secure this exceptional win for Virginia.”

The LEGO Group was founded in Billund, Denmark in 1932 by Ole Kirk Kristiansen, its name derived from the two Danish words LEg GOdt, meaning “Play Well.” Today, the LEGO Group remains a family-owned company headquartered in Billund. However, its products are now sold in more than 130 countries worldwide.

 The company’s mission is to inspire and develop the builders of tomorrow through the power of play. The LEGO System in Play, with its foundation in the LEGO bricks, allows children and fans to build and rebuild anything they can imagine. Time included the LEGO Group on the inaugural list of the Top 100 Influential Companies in 2021.

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Chesterfield County, the Greater Richmond Partnership, and the General Assembly’s Major Employment and Investment Project Approval Commission to secure the project for Virginia. The LEGO Group will be eligible to receive an MEI custom performance grant of $56 million based on an investment of more than $1 billion and the creation of jobs estimated to be in excess of 1,760, as well as site development improvements estimated at up to $19 million, subject to approval by the Virginia General Assembly.

Support for the LEGO Group’s job creation will be provided through the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program, a workforce initiative created by VEDP in collaboration with the Virginia Community College System and other higher education partners, with funding support from the Governor’s administration and the Virginia General Assembly. Launched in 2019, the program accelerates new facility start-ups through the direct delivery of recruitment and training services that are fully customized to a company’s unique products, processes, equipment, standards, and culture. All program services are provided at no cost to qualified new and expanding companies as an incentive for job creation. Interested applicants can visit http://www.LEGOcareersvirginia.com/ and receive notification when job applications officially open in late 2022/early 2023.

 

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CONTACTS

Office of the Governor
Contact: Macaulay Porter
Email: Macaulay.Porter@governor.virginia.gov

Virginia Economic Development Partnership
Contact: Emilee Loope
Email: eloope@vedp.org

The LEGO Group
Contact: Benjamin Hjorth
Email: media@LEGO.com

Chesterfield Economic Development
Contact: Matt McLaren
Email: mclarenm@chesterfield.gov
Contact: Garrett Hart
Email: hartga@chesterfield.gov

 

LEGO Group Site in Meadowville Technology Park

The LEGO Group Site in Meadowville Technology Park

 

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Schlatterer Esband Chooses Chesterfield County Virginia for First U.S.A. Operation

Max Schlatterer GmbH & Co. KG has announced it will establish its first U.S. location in Chesterfield County, Virginia.

Headquartered in Germany, Schlatterer Esband produces and sells drive belts, conveyor belts, special belts, garniture tapes and suction tapes under the “Esband” brand.

Esband offers truly endless, homogeneous flat belts, manufactured without joints or splices, for high performance driving, conveying, and special power transmission applications. Truly endless technology has been shown to consistently outperform conventional, joined flat belt designs.

Esband belts offer extreme design flexibility since they are available in many carcass materials and coatings, and in any width specified. In addition, customers can have belts custom machined with perforations, self-tracking guides, vacuum slots and transport pockets.

Schlatterer Esband will initially be operating a sales and distribution center out of space in the Fi-Tech building at 2400 Pari Way in Midlothian, Virginia.

The company will hire ten workers to begin operations with plans to grow its business in U.S. markets.

Chesterfield County Economic Development worked with the Greater Richmond Partnership and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership to help Schlatterer Esband find the location in Chesterfield County.

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About Chesterfield Economic Development
Chesterfield Economic Development works on a free and confidential basis with domestic and foreign companies planning to establish new facilities, relocate existing facilities, or expand current facilities. The department also assists existing businesses and industries already located in Chesterfield with any business-related issues. CED staff members will assist with site selection requirements, information and research needs, public relations and relocation services, small business issues, or streamlining regulatory processes. For more information visit: www.chesterfieldbusiness.com

Media Contact
Matt McLaren
Chesterfield Economic Development
Email: mclarenm@chesterfield.gov
Tel: 1.804.833.8445

Verdex Technologies Chooses Chesterfield County

Verdex Technologies has announced plans to open a $1 million nanofiber manufacturing operation in Chesterfield County, Virginia. Verdex will start production this summer in a 3,300-square-foot space in the industrial park adjacent to the Richmond Executive Airport.

The company makes nanofibers that are used in such products as masks, air filters and personal hygiene products to prevent certain chemicals or other pollutants from permeating the materials.

The announcement comes after a $3.9 million investment in Verdex to fund research along with equipment by SOSV, an international venture capital firm.

This investment follows 10 years of customer validation from top-tier nonwoven companies, critical R&D and patent filings, resulting in a unique functionalized production technology that can produce a wide range of advanced nanofiber products.

Verdex was founded by Dr. Larry Marshall in 2010. Dr. Marshall who spent his career at DuPont developing and commercializing Tyvek®. Verdex uses a proprietary solvent-free process using only low heated air to produce its nanofiber media.

“One of the most unique abilities in The Verdex Process® is our ability to customize and functionalize our nanofibers. This allows Verdex to incorporate particles into the fiber matrix to target specific challenges and problems in multiple industries to create game-changing products,” said Damien Deehan co-CEO at Verdex.

As Verdex looks for a disruptive product to go-to-market, Verdex has concentrated all its efforts in developing a first in class HVAC/HEPA media and product that Verdex believes will be a game-changer for the industry. Unlike current HVAC media which lacks the ability to capture viruses and submicron particles, Verdex’s patented process provides a 3D nanofiber media which combines high submicron particle capture.

“Chesterfield welcomes Verdex Technologies to the County and wishes them all the best in their new endeavor. We appreciate their efforts in this unique technology,” said Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors Jim Holland.

“Verdex Technologies illustrates the spin-off, or multiplier effect that we sometimes experience when we have a sophisticated corporate giant in our community like DuPont. The talent working there and now in other companies helps spur the growth of our business community,” said Tina Shreve, Senior Project Manager, Chesterfield County Economic Development. “It is a true pleasure working with Mr. Deehan and his team!”

Verdex is actively looking for leaders in their respective industries, who are interested in purchasing nanofiber media and integrating this patented technology into their own products to create higher value products that command high value in the marketplace.

To learn more about working with Verdex, contact Damien Deehan on info@verdextech.com or visit www.verdextech.com

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Starplast USA to Develop New Plastics Manufacturing Facility in Chesterfield County, Virginia

$17.7 Million Operation Will Create 300 New Jobs

Governor Ralph Northam today announced that Starplast USA, subsidiary of Israeli company Starplast will invest approximately $17.7 million to develop a new manufacturing facility in Chesterfield.

Starplast USA produces a wide range of high-performance plastic products, like plastic housewares, garden storage, and toys. Virginia successfully competed with Ohio and Pennsylvania for the project, which will create 300 new jobs over five years.

“We are so pleased to see global manufacturers like Starplast USA planting their roots right here in Virginia,” said Governor Northam. “Our strategic East Coast location, world-class port facilities, competitive operating costs, and robust manufacturing workforce, make us a prime destination for international companies. We welcome a long partnership with Starplast USA and look forward to their future success.”

Starplast USA was founded in 2005 as a subsidiary of Starplast, based in Israel. Established in 1958, Starplast is a family-owned company with a wealth of experience and a long-standing commitment to superior plastics. The company partners with customers to create a wide range of attractive, high-quality products that include drawer carts, laundry hampers and baskets, storage decorative bins and baskets, food storage, kitchen organization bins, garden deck boxes, and outdoor toys.

Starplast Product Lines

After gaining recognition in Israel for value, quality, and innovation, Starplast entered the global plastics market in the 1970s. Since 1976, over 90% of production has been exported to Europe, North America, Australia, and Japan. Starplast USA established its first manufacturing facility in Houston, Texas in 2018, allowing the company to respond optimally to the needs of major U.S. retailers.

“More than 400 advanced materials companies have chosen Virginia for its diverse ecosystem of suppliers, innovators, and customers and its business friendly climate, and we are excited to have Starplast USA join us here in the Commonwealth,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball. “Starplast has a strong history in developing quality plastics products, and we thank the company for creating 300 new jobs in Chesterfield County.”

“Starplast chose Chesterfield County for its new manufacturing operation because the geographic location is very attractive, especially given its proximity to the East Coast and the Port of Virginia,” said Starplast Chief Executive Officer Danny Schwartz. “Additionally, Virginia – and in particular the Richmond area – has a strong workforce with readily-available talent.”

Starplast will retrofit an existing building near Meadowville Technology Park.

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Chesterfield County and the Greater Richmond Partnership to secure the project for Virginia and will support Starplast USA’s job creation through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program, which provides consultative services and funding to companies creating new jobs in order to support employee recruitment and training activities. As a business incentive supporting economic development, Virginia Jobs and Investment Program reduces the human resource costs of new and expanding companies.

Virginia Jobs and Investment Program is state-funded, demonstrating Virginia’s commitment to enhancing job opportunities for citizens. The company is eligible to receive benefits from the Port of Virginia Economic and Infrastructure Development Zone Grant Program, as well as benefits from the Major Business Facility Job Tax Credit for new, full-time jobs created.

“We appreciate Starplast choosing Chesterfield for its advanced plastics manufacturing operation,” said Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors Chair Jim Holland. “The unique product line that will be created here in Chesterfield County will not only help grow our local economy, but also show off our community’s stellar workforce capabilities.”

“Greater Richmond welcomes Starplast to the region’s international business community of more than 220 facilities,” said Greater Richmond Partnership President and Chief Executive Officer Jennifer Wakefield. “The company’s facility in Chesterfield – and first in Virginia – will help Starplast reach 45% of the U.S. population within one-day’s delivery.”

“Starplast USA is another example of Virginia’s growing manufacturing base that is taking advantage of The Port of Virginia’s global reach,” said Virginia Port Authority Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director Stephen A. Edwards. “We are preparing to further expand our capacity and are deepening our channels and these investments, combined with others to come, will ensure companies like Starplast USA can always move their cargo across our terminals safely, reliably, and with confidence. We are looking forward to a long and collaborative partnership with Starplast USA.”

“I am proud to support Starplast USA’s decision to select Chesterfield County to build a new manufacturing facility that will provide 300 new jobs and invest $17.7 million into the community,” Senator Joseph Morrissey. “Additionally, I will always support businesses, such as Starplast USA, that strive to produce eco-friendly and sustainable products. I applaud Starplast USA for its selection of Chesterfield County and have no doubt that this project will be successful.”

“I am pleased to welcome Starplast USA to Chesterfield,” said Delegate Carrie Coyner. “With this decision to invest in our community, Starplast acknowledges Chesterfield’s ongoing commitment to deliver quality services to both corporate and individual residents.”

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Sonoco Trident Expands Footprint in River’s Bend Center

Sonoco Trident manufactures rotogravure printing cylinders for flexible packaging printers within the United States and Canada and recently consolidated operations from Charlotte, NC to its Chester, VA facility. 

Sonoco Trident is currently located at 833 Liberty Way in the River’s Bend Center. As a result of this expansion, Trident relocated 5 employees from Charlotte, N.C. and added 6 more positions from the local area. The expansion of 46,000 square feet will bring their total manufacturing space to approximately 80,000 square feet. Trident has invested over $2 million to assist in servicing their customer base in the Americas.

Edward Broadhurst, Operations Director, says, “We are pleased to keep Chesterfield County as our home base. This location affords us great accessibility and professional image for our business. Chesterfield County Economic Development and Building Inspections, Emerald Construction and River City Industrial, along with several other local contractors, have all been tremendous in moving our project forward. This new facility will improve our overall operations and allow growth in our business.” 

“The Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors certainly recognizes the importance of maintaining and growing our existing businesses. We are pleased that Sonoco Trident can make this capital investment in Chesterfield County, especially as our economy begins emerging from the pandemic. We look forward to their continued success,” said Jim Ingle, Bermuda District representative of the Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors. 

Sonoco Trident was assisted through the expansion by Chesterfield County Department of Economic Development and the County’s Community Development Division. 

For more information please contact Tina Shreve at (804) 318-8564, or email at ShreveT@chesterfield.gov.

Aldora To Open A New Chesterfield, VA Facility

81,000-SQUARE-FOOT FACILITY ADDS CAPACITY

Glass and aluminum systems fabricator, Aldora, will soon begin construction on a new 81,000-square-foot fabrication facility located in the Walthall interchange area at 16301 Walthall Industrial Parkway in South Chesterfield.

The new facility marks the fabricator’s seventh location serving the mid-Atlantic and Southeastern United States, but the first location for Chesterfield.

“We would like to thank Aldora for their investment in Chesterfield County. This new facility continues to solidify that Chesterfield County is a much sought-after location for a variety of companies and industries.” Said Jim Ingle, Bermuda District Board of Supervisor.

The full-service glass fabrication and distribution facility will serve a 150-mile geographical radius to include Richmond, Baltimore, Washington DC, Norfolk, Raleigh-Durham, Roanoke and many points in between.

“The County is very happy to see a new facility being built in the Walthall area. This is a prime location for Aldora to enter this new market and become a supplier of choice. It will shorten their time of delivery in the entire region.” said Jim Holland, Board of Supervisors Chair. 

Aldora expects to break ground within the next two of months and anticipates being fully operational by spring 2022.

“This newest facility services an area that we believe is underserved by the market according to our preliminary research,” Aldora CEO Leon Silverstein said. “Our model has been to add locations that will fit strategically into our current geographic coverage.”

Chesterfield County Economic Development (CCED) will further assist Aldora in locating their facility in Chesterfield. “Aldora will be a great addition to our business community and we look forward to onboarding their new jobs in the near future.” said Tina Shreve, Senior Project Manager, CCED.

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For More Information:
Niall Caheny
954.784.6900
contact@aldoraglass.com

Tina Shreve
Senior Project Manager
Chesterfield County Economic Development
804.318.8564
shrevet@chesterfield.gov

 

Credit Startup Petal Creating 80 New Jobs in Chesterfield County

Governor Ralph Northam today announced that Petal, a new kind of credit card company built to help people financially succeed, will make an investment of over $300,000 to establish a new service and operations center in Chesterfield County. Virginia successfully competed with Austin, Salt Lake City, and New York City—where Petal is headquartered—for the project, which will create more than 80 new jobs over the next three years.

“Petal is an innovative startup with a truly unique business model, and we are delighted that this growing company has chosen Chesterfield County as the site of its new state-of-the-art operations center,” said Governor Northam. “With its proximity to nearly 30 higher education institutions, this region will train and supply the next generation of skilled professionals, ensuring the company has access to a wealth of top talent for years to come. We welcome Petal to Virginia, and look forward to their success in Chesterfield County.”

Petal wants to make safe and affordable credit accessible to everyone, even if they have no credit score or prior experience with credit. The company uses cutting-edge technology to help create the most advanced, intuitive, and user-friendly credit cards on the planet, designed from the ground up to help people financially succeed. The first Petal product, the Petal Visa credit card, launched in 2018. The card, along with Petal’s mobile app, makes it easy for people to build credit, track spending, and manage money responsibly. Petal helps measure objective components of each individual’s creditworthiness that aren’t typically considered in a credit approval decision, like how much an individual actually makes, saves, and spends over time, and the bills they pay each month. This approach allows Petal to offer lower interest rates and higher lines of credit without charging fees, even if those consumers don’t (yet) have a credit score. Full pricing details on the Petal card are available here.

“Major business services companies from around the world continue to choose Virginia for its low operating costs and skilled workforce, and we are thrilled to welcome Petal to the Greater Richmond Region’s corporate roster,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball. “The new operations center in Chesterfield County will serve as the voice of the company’s new and nontraditional financial product, which aims to make credit safer and more accessible. We remain committed to partnering with dynamic startups as they seek growth and opportunity in Virginia, and are confident that Petal will thrive in its new location.”

Petal’s Chesterfield County office will act as its service and operations center, serving a critical role as Petal’s front line to the many customers who are looking to build credit responsibly. Employees will manage Petal’s customer support, credit operations and operational quality assurance functions, serving as the company’s voice with customers. Petal is now actively hiring in the Richmond area. To date, Petal has raised more than $80 million in equity and debt financing from venture capitalists, financial institutions, and investment banks. This funding will help fuel Petal’s expansion in Chesterfield County.

“We’re excited to open a world-class operations center in partnership with Governor Northam and the state of Virginia,” said Jason Gross, Petal’s Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder. “People don’t normally associate credit cards with a high-quality customer experience, and that’s one more way we plan to reinvent credit. We look forward to having smart, ambitious people in the Richmond area join our team to make our mission of honest, simple and accessible credit a reality.”

“The new operations center will become the operational hub for Petal’s experience execution team—specifically, the team focused on customer support, credit application processing, collections, and fraud,” said Tom Greco, Vice President of Customer Operations, who will be leading Petal’s Richmond office. “We are excited to take advantage of Richmond’s abundant talent market and the wealth of banking experience in the area.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) worked with Chesterfield County to secure the project for Virginia. VEDP will support Petal’s job creation through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program (VJIP). VJIP provides consultative services and funding to companies creating new jobs or experiencing technological change in order to support employee training activities. As a business incentive supporting economic development, VJIP reduces the human resource costs of new and expanding companies. VJIP is state-funded, demonstrating Virginia’s commitment to enhancing job opportunities for citizens.

“We are so pleased that Petal has chosen Chesterfield County for their new service and operations center,”said Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors Chair Leslie Haley. “On behalf of the Board of Supervisors, I welcome Petal to our community and appreciate the creation of jobs for our residents.”

Chesterfield County Economic Development worked with the company and VEDP to locate Petal in Chesterfield County. “Tom Greco is a great example of a public-school graduate coming home to operate a business,” said Tina Shreve, Senior Project Manager, Chesterfield County Economic Development. “He recognized the quality of life in Chesterfield and the talent-pool that exists here.”

“We are excited for Petal’s new investment in Chesterfield, which will bring at least 80 new jobs to our community,” said Senator Glen Sturtevant. “These important opportunities grow our local economy while providing innovative access and education on building credit responsibly.”

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ERNI Electronics Breaks Ground in Chesterfield County for New Production & Distribution Facility

ERNI Electronics, Inc. broke ground today on its $25 million, state-of-the-art production and distribution facility in Chesterfield County, Virginia.

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ERNI Electronics Chooses Chesterfield County for New Production & Distribution Facility

The company will invest $25 million and create approximately 105 new jobs

ERNI Electronics, Inc. announced today that it plans to build a state-of-the-art production and distribution facility in Chesterfield County, Virginia.

ERNI Electronics Inc., a leading international manufacturer of electrical connectors, will significantly increase its U.S. based manufacturing presence with a new facility in Chesterfield County, Virginia. The company plans to invest about $25 million and create approximately 105 new jobs within the next five years.

The facility will house the American headquarters for ERNI Electronics in a newly, purpose-built complex in the Waterford Business Park that incorporates manufacturing, workforce training and office uses on a new 11-acre campus. The company is a key supplier to the automotive and industrial automation industry of high-performance electrical connectors.

“We are excited to welcome ERNI Electronics as another member of Chesterfield County’s fast-growing international business community,” said Christopher Winslow, Clover Hill District, Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors. “I am proud of Chesterfield’s continued success in attracting investment and happy that, with their new facility in Waterford, ERNI Electronics is poised for future growth.”

Waterford Business Park

Waterford Business Park

“We’re very proud of the growth we’ve been able to achieve in recent years and we’ve simply outgrown the space we are in today,” said Bill Knable, ERNI Electronics, Inc., Managing Director, and President. “ERNI has been a staple in the Virginia economy for some time now and after much deliberation, we’re proud to announce our decision to expand the American manufacturing and distribution footprint for ERNI right here in Chesterfield County.”

ERNI Site Location in Waterford

ERNI Site Location in Waterford

“As an organization, we’re faced with a rapidly growing market with increasingly complex requirements, so we need to be positioned to respond to changes quickly and flexibly,” said Knable. “We know we need good infrastructure that will enable us to reach both customers and our nicely developed American supply base with ease; we need a good space to grow; and we need to be near quality schools that will be educating our future employees. After much analysis, we are confident in Chesterfield County meeting these criteria and more to support our continued growth.”

Bill Knable, Managing Director (Right) and Jason Roe, Technical Director (Left)

Bill Knable, Managing Director (r) and Jason Roe, Technical Director (l), in front of production line at ERNI Electronics in Richmond, VA.

Chesterfield Economic Development worked with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and the Greater Richmond Partnership to secure the project for Chesterfield. The company will receive benefits from the Economic Development Road Access Fund.

“I am thrilled that ERNI has chosen to locate their U.S. headquarters and manufacturing facility expansion to Chesterfield County,” said Chair of the Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors Leslie Haley. “The new, skilled jobs that ERNI plans to create will continue to help make Chesterfield a great community to live and work.”

ERNI will be releasing information later in the year related to hiring for the new facility.

About: Established in 1947, headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, and privately held, ERNI Electronics is a market leader in the development and production of electrical connectors, central electric units, and cable housings and enclosures. With locations in over 40 countries, ERNI is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of quality connectors for the automotive, medical, and communications fields, among others. For more information about the company, please visit www.erni.com. Please send PR related topics directly to our Public Relations partner, C Things Differently, info@cthingsdifferntly.com.

Contacts:

ERNI Electronics, Inc.
Ray Meyers, Project Manager
Email: ray.meyers@erni.com
Mobile: 804-228-4100

Chesterfield Economic Development
Matt McLaren, Senior Project Manager
Email: McLarenM@chesterfield.gov
Phone: 804-318-8550

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The Results Companies Chooses Chesterfield County: Creating 600 New Jobs

Governor Ralph Northam today announced that The Results Companies, a leading provider of business processing outsourcing services, will invest $1.5 million to expand its client engagement operations in Chesterfield County. The company will lease additional space for its second call center in the area. Virginia successfully competed against New Mexico for the project, which will create 600 new jobs.

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Chesterfield Cuts Ribbon on New Recreation Facility at Stonebridge

55,000-square-foot Indoor Sports Facility Is Home to the Richmond Volleyball Club and the Stonebridge Recreation Center

Today, Chesterfield County’s Economic Development Authority, Parks and Recreation and the Richmond Volleyball Club officially cut the ribbon on a new facility, located at 200 Karl Linn Drive. The 55,000-square-foot indoor sports facility, built by the EDA, is home to the Richmond Volleyball Club and the Stonebridge Recreation Center.

“We are so glad to celebrate the opening of this new recreation facility,” said Board of Supervisors Chair Dorothy Jaeckle. “This collaboration between the Economic Development Authority of Chesterfield, Chesterfield Parks and Recreation and the Richmond Volleyball Club is an excellent example of a truly successful public-private redevelopment partnership.”

Richmond Volleyball Club, a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing volleyball athletes of all ages, is leasing 50,000 square feet from the EDA, which provides space for eight courts for year-round volleyball programming in Chesterfield. The dedicated space, especially built for volleyball, will also allow Richmond Volleyball Club to host larger tournaments that span the entire region, bringing in more visitors to the metro-Richmond area.

“Richmond Volleyball Club is thrilled to connect with Chesterfield residents,” said Darcy Carroll, Richmond Volleyball Club executive director. “We appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with the EDA and Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation to offer a convenient, premier facility, and comprehensive volleyball programs. As a non-profit, we have a strong outreach program. It is our goal to spread the love of the sport to beginners and competitive players alike.”

Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation will lease the additional 5,000 square feet for the new Stonebridge Recreation Center. The recreation center is the first in the Midlothian area and will primarily host older-adult programming, including classes, workshops, fitness programs and special events. Additionally, during the daytime hours, the county will have access to the entire facility for programs or events. The Stonebridge Recreation Center joins the Bensley and Ettrick centers as the county’s third public recreation facility.

“The Parks and Recreation Department is looking forward to this new amenity,” Parks and Recreation Director Dr. James Worsley said. “This unique partnership with the Richmond Volleyball Club provides the department with access to a multi-use facility. The Stonebridge Recreation Center will have space for recreation programs and events. We are excited about the opportunities to expand services to all members of the community.”

“We are thrilled to have our Parks and Recreation Department partner with the Richmond Volleyball Club to bring such great services and programs to our community,” said Leslie Haley, vice chair of the board of supervisors and Midlothian District representative. “The economic impact on the eastern Midlothian area from the people visiting this facility for daily events and weekend tournaments will be tremendous.”

Art Heinz, Economic Development Authority chair, said, “We are extremely excited about this extraordinary sports facility. It will add to the enthusiasm around Stonebridge and sports tourism throughout the county.”

Richmond Volleyball Club and Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation will be the newest tenants to locate in the Stonebridge area. Stonebridge is a successful mixed-use revitalization development which is home to Kroger Marketplace, one the company’s largest stores in the mid-Atlantic region; the Elements at Stonebridge, Boyd Homes’ luxury apartment community; and the Shops at Stonebridge.

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ABOUT STONEBRIDGE

Stonebridge was a public-private partnership between Chesterfield County Economic Development Authority and Crosland, Southeast to transform the former Cloverleaf Mall site into a multimillion-dollar retail, residential and commercial center. The project was named “Best Public-Private Partnership Project in Virginia” by Virginia Business Magazine in 2011. Stonebridge was recently acquired by S2 Capital Partners, LLC. Company officials have expressed their commitment to continue to invest in the project and are adding another 15,600 square feet of retail development.

ABOUT CHESTERFIELD COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION

With more than 45 public parks and 4,387 acres of green space, the Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation Department offers many opportunities for residents to engage in recreation and outdoor pursuits. The county is also home to many athletic complexes, where sports tournaments and athletic events are hosted. In addition, the parks system maintains many historical sites, an extensive trail system, several conservation areas, three community recreation centers, the Rockwood Nature Center and the County Fairgrounds. A wide variety of recreation services for all ages are offered to meet community needs.

ABOUT RICHMOND VOLLEYBALL CLUB

Richmond Volleyball Club is a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing athletes of all ages for amateur volleyball competition. RVC is Richmond’s oldest sports and social club and has the largest, volleyball-dedicated facilities in the country. Since 1981, RVC has championed the growth of volleyball in central Virginia. RVC is social, fun and family-oriented with year-round volleyball programs for ages 3 – 73.

ABOUT CHESTERFIELD COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

The Chesterfield Economic Development Authority works in conjunction with the Department of Economic Development to help create new jobs, expand the tax base, and diversify the economy of Chesterfield County. The EDA is chartered through a state law that allows cities and counties to create industrial or economic development authorities with wide-ranging powers, not available to local governments, with the purpose of facilitating economic development opportunities within the community.

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Chesterfield EDA Welcomes Richmond Volleyball Club to Stonebridge

The Economic Development Authority (EDA) of Chesterfield County is pleased to welcome Richmond Volleyball Club (RVC) to Chesterfield County. The EDA will build and lease to RVC approximately 50,000 square feet of a new indoor sports facility in Stonebridge. Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation Department will also lease 5,000 square feet of the building for additional community programs and services. The new facility will be located at 200 Karl Linn Drive, Chesterfield County, Virginia and is expected to be operational by January 2018.

Richmond Volleyball Club is excited by the growth opportunity this additional location can provide. This Chesterfield County location will offer the club’s current members and guests convenient access to RVC. Darcy Carroll, Executive Director states, “We are thrilled at the opportunity to collaborate with Chesterfield County Economic Development and Parks and Recreation. We hope to introduce more individuals to the sport of volleyball. To many, it may be a new sport that they have not considered. This additional facility will allow us the opportunity to grow our programs tremendously.”

“We are so glad to welcome the Richmond Volleyball Club to Chesterfield.” Said Board of Supervisors Chair, Dorothy Jaeckle. “This public-private partnership between the Economic Development Authority of Chesterfield and the Richmond Volleyball Club is the latest for the Stonebridge development, one of the most successful public-private redevelopment partnerships in the region!”

“The Richmond Volleyball Club is such a great organization and runs such great youth programs, we are thrilled to have our Parks and Recreation department partnering with them to bring additional services and programs to our citizens.” Said Leslie Haley, Vice Chair, and Board of Supervisor for the Midlothian District. “The economic impact on the eastern Midlothian area from people visiting this facility for daily events and weekend tournaments will be tremendous!” she added.

For the past 35 years, RVC has helped residents in the Richmond region maintain an active lifestyle throughout their life by offering year-round programs for adults and juniors. Growing from one four-court facility into two facilities (with a combined 20 courts), RVC has been a home away from home for more than 3,000 members and a champion for the growth of volleyball in central Virginia.

Richmond Volleyball Club has almost 400 visitors daily, participating in adult leagues and junior development programs. RVC supports 140 USA Volleyball and recreational junior teams annually.  They currently host around 51 teams on any given weekend with 57% of those teams traveling from more than 60 miles away.  This new facility will allow RVC to increase their one-day tournaments, which occur almost every weekend from January to May, by approximately 32 teams each day.

RVC also hosts more than 10,000 junior players, coaches, and spectators twice a year in two major tournaments, the combined Boys’ East Coast Championships/Girls’ South Atlantic Championships, and the Monument City Classic. These tournaments are held at the Greater Richmond Convention Center and their current Henrico County location. Those two tournaments alone generate approximately $9 million dollars in positive economic impact. “We look forward to now being able to expand these tournaments. In the past, we’ve had to limit the number of entries and look forward to opening it up to more teams,” remarked Skip Weston, Director of Programs and Facilities.

“Sports tourism has been a huge economic driver for the Richmond Region in recent years, totaling more than half of our events bookings. Facilities are the number one factor in attracting lucrative tournaments to the area,” according to Jack Berry, President & CEO of Richmond Region Tourism. “The new space at Stonebridge is an exciting addition to the Richmond Region’s sports tourism offerings.”

In addition to RVC, the Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation Department will also have access to portions of the facility for programming and other services. The Parks and Recreation Department will use approximately 5,000 square feet of the building to hold classes for a variety of groups. Dr. James Worsley, Parks and Recreation Director, is enthusiastic about the partnership. “We are looking forward to being able to add an additional site for programs, the growing senior population in Chesterfield County will benefit from this cooperative effort with the Economic Development Authority and the Richmond Volleyball Club.”

Parks and Recreation is proposing to utilize the dedicated space to provide programs for primarily older adults. These programs include classes, workshops, fitness programs, and special events. In addition to the senior programming scheduled for the facility, Parks and Recreation staff would also make use of the location for community programs, pre-school activities and youth programming.

RVC and Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation will be the newest tenants to locate in Stonebridge. Stonebridge is a successful mixed use revitalization project which is home to Kroger Marketplace, one of the company’s largest stores in the mid-Atlantic region; the Elements at Stonebridge, a Boyd Homes’ luxury apartment community; and the Shops at Stonebridge.

“Boyd Homes is excited to see Stonebridge continue to grow as a key place to Live, Work, and Play in Chesterfield County. The new volleyball facility will bring new consumers into our community and expand the vitality of this community. This will also provide new recreational and entertainment opportunities to our residents.” says David S. Rudiger, President/General Counsel for Boyd Homes.

Stonebridge was a public-private partnership between the Economic Development Authority and Crosland, Southeast to transform the former Cloverleaf Mall site into a multimillion-dollar retail, residential and commercial center. The project was named “Best Public-Private Partnership Project in Virginia” by Virginia Business Magazine in 2011.

Stonebridge was recently acquired by S2 Capital Partners, LLC. Company officials have expressed their commitment to continue to invest in the project with another potential 15,600 square feet of retail development. “S2 Capital Partners is excited to welcome this regional volleyball facility to the Stonebridge Shopping Center neighborhood. We look forward to partnering with the new facility on future opportunities that will further enrich and engage the local community” said Rob Seidel, Principal.

The investments made to date in Stonebridge have encouraged significant additional private investment all along eastern Midlothian Turnpike, such as the renovation of the adjacent Chippenham Square Shopping Center and the redevelopment of the former Beaufont Mall into Spring Rock Green, transforming this key retail and commercial corridor into a vibrant community.

The project builds upon recent development and expansion of facilities in the region. Richmond SportsBackers’ executive director, Jon Lugbill, said, “Chesterfield County continues to build sports facilities that not only provide awesome recreational opportunities for local residents to promote healthy living, but also provide economic impact through sports tourism. Our region continues to expand on its already impressive array of sports tourism events and one of the primary reasons for this growth is the construction of high quality sports facilities.  Chesterfield County continues to benefit from working together with local non-profit sports organizations to grow sports tournaments that generate funds to aid local youth sports programs and serve more kids.”

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ABOUT RICHMOND VOLLEYBALL CLUB:
Richmond Volleyball Club is a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing athletes of all ages for amateur volleyball competition. RVC is Richmond’s oldest sports & social club and has the largest, volleyball-dedicated facilities in the country. Since 1981, RVC has championed the growth of volleyball in central Virginia. RVC is social, fun and family with year-round volleyball programs for ages 3 – 73.

ABOUT BOYD HOMES:
For over 35 years. Boyd Homes has been creating communities full of heart and life. Boyd Homes builds and develops residential communities in Virginia, North Carolina, and Florida. They are well known in the industry as an innovative builder/developer who is dedicated to using appealing exterior designs and floor plans that maximize usable space.

ABOUT S2 CAPITAL PARTNERS, LLC:
S2 Capital Partners, LLC is comprised of founders and principals Rob Seidel and George Stewart, who have each served Virginia, Maryland, and the greater Washington, DC metro region for more than 30 years. Starting in 2014, S2 Capital Partners, LLC has acquired four shopping centers with a value of approximately $31 million and the goal of significantly increasing value through repositioning, redevelopment and releasing of each property. S2’s acquisition focus is on $10-$15 million grocery-anchored/shadow anchored retail centers throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.

 

CONTACTS

Economic Development Authority of Chesterfield
Contact: Garrett Hart
Phone: (804) 318-8550
Email: HartGA@chesterfield.gov

Richmond Volleyball Club
Contact: Jonnie Stone
Phone: (804)358-3000
Email: jonnie@RVC.net

Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation
Contact: James Worsley
Phone: (804) 748-1079
Email: WorsleyJ@chesterfield.gov

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Kroger Marketplace Has Grand Re-Opening in Midlothian

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Kroger held a grand re-opening for its store in the Ivymont Square Shopping Center in the village of Midlothian.

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Leslie Haley, who represents the Midlothian District on the Chesterfield Board of Supervisors, thanked Kroger for its investment and new jobs and helped cut the ribbon for the expansion.

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The expanded Kroger Marketplace will enhance the exciting and convenient grocery and dining experience for the residents and workers in the area. The special amenities, cooking demonstrations and sampling bars will make the Marketplace a destination for local residents.

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The 19,700 square foot expansion enlarges the store to 106,000 square feet. Kroger invested $14.8 million in the facility and added 70 additional jobs.

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New Urban Style Apartment Complex At Stonebridge Breaks Ground

$68+ Million Project Commenced

Charlotte-based Crosland Southeast in partnership with Hartford-based Hutensky Capital Partners, the developer of Stonebridge, and Virginia Beach-based Boyd Homes, the builder and developer of numerous local communities, announce that Boyd Homes has just begun construction of Element at Stonebridge, a 400 unit urban style apartment complex in Stonebridge.

2014-11-20-Element-at-Stonebridge-Groundbreaking

The project will consist of studio, one and two bedroom apartments in four buildings. The buildings will feature onsite amenities and balconies overlooking interior courtyards. The residential community is designed to integrate into the rest of Stonebridge to allow residents to conveniently walk to the retail, entertainment and office uses of the development.

Boyd Homes expects to welcome its first residents in late 2015. A second phase, with 200 additional apartment units, is planned after completion of the first 400 units.

Stonebridge-Boyd-apts

Stonebridge is the redevelopment of the vacant Cloverleaf Mall and is an 83-acre, 400,000-square-foot, $100 million mixed-use project in one of Chesterfield’s key retail/business corridors. The project is currently home to Kroger’s largest store in the mid-Atlantic region, a 123,600-square-foot Kroger Marketplace and to another 27,000 square feet of retail shops.
Charlotte-based Crosland Southeast is one of the leading real estate development and investments firms in the Southeast United States with offices in Charlotte and Raleigh, NC.

“We are pleased to be working with Boyd Homes to horizontally integrate 600 multifamily residences into the retail and commercial components of Stonebridge. Boyd’s innovative design is on the cutting edge which will help differentiate Stonebridge from other mixed and multi-use projects in the marketplace,” said James F. Downs, Partner, Crosland Southeast.

Boyd Homes has been building and developing communities in the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond for over 30 years and in the Richmond metropolitan area for almost 15 years. They are well known in the industry as an innovative builder/developer who is dedicated to using appealing exterior designs and floor plans that maximize usable space.

Ken Merner, Director of Development for Boyd Homes, said “As a family-owned business, real people stand behind the quality of our work and service. The success that Boyd Homes has enjoyed over the last thirty years can be attributed in large measure to the dedication of our team to providing a quality product with the service our residents deserve.”

“This residential anchor solidifies the redevelopment of a very strategic gateway into Chesterfield County. A mixed use development such as this, where residents can live, work, and play, fits into our county vision. We are very pleased to see both our commercial and residential areas strengthened as we continue to revitalize the Eastern Midlothian corridor,” said Dan Gecker, Chesterfield County Midlothian District Supervisor.

Contact:
James Downs, Crosland Southeast, 704.561.5257, JDowns@croslandsoutheast.com
Ken Merner, Boyd Homes, 757.271.0078, kenm@boydhomes.com

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$160M Water Park, Hotel, and Convention Center Planned for Chesterfield

Uptown-Hotel-Rendering

Uphoff Ventures has signed a strategic partnership with Jinma Group from Quanzhou (Fujian Province), China, which plans on significant investments in waterparks and entertainment centers in the United States and China. The partnership will begin immediately with the conceptual phase of a $160 million water park, hotel and convention center. Uphoff Ventures plans to utilize their property located next to Uptown Alley in Chesterfield for the new venue. Renderings of the new facility can be seen above.

Steve Uphoff founded the Uppy’s convenience-store chain and two Uptown Alley location including other successful investments. Uphoff Ventures is a family-owned business located in Chesterfield, Virginia. The organization works in partnership with Trifecta Management Group who will operate the new entertainment venue.

Partnership signing

Xing Xing Wu, Chairman and CEO of Jinma Group and Steve Uphoff, CEO of Uphoff Ventures, sign an agreement to enter a strategic partnership.

Uptown-Hotel-Signing

Chesterfield Welcomes Alzheimer’s Care Facility

The Memory Center, an innovative residential community for individuals with Alzheimer’s and similar dementias, is making Chesterfield the home of its second location. The groundbreaking is scheduled for July 16, 2014.

The 34,000-square-foot facility, which will be adjacent to the St. Francis Medical Center, is anticipated to open by the beginning of 2015. The project is a total investment of $13 million in the County. It is expected to create 80 new jobs.

“We are extremely pleased that The Memory Center is opening its second Virginia location in Chesterfield County… Projects such as this contribute to keeping Chesterfield County a ‘First Choice’ community,” said Jim Holland, chairman of the Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors.

The Memory Center prides itself on its unique “Town Center” concept. Amenities will include a movie theater, library, general store, bank, tavern, ice cream stand and salon. The facility will also feature the latest technologies for complete medical over-site, a four-to-one resident to staff ratio, coordinated therapy services, secured entrances and camera monitoring systems.

“The community will set a new standard in the greater Richmond area for the care and well-being of people suffering with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of cognitive loss,” said Memory Center Chairman and CEO Kevin DiBona.

The Virginia Beach-based company is one of the few organizations in the state that focuses on assisted living communities exclusively for memory care.

“[The Memory Center is] among the leaders in providing a safe and secure living environment for individuals facing the challenges of Alzheimer’s and other related dementias and we are gratified that our citizens will have now have another quality care option,” said Holland.

The Memory Center's Proposed New Facility

The Memory Center’s Proposed New Facility

For more information on the Memory Center’s new location, visit their website:

http://www.thememorycenter.com/facilities/richmond/

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Titan Tire & Auto Opens Second Shop in Chesterfield County

Titan Tire & Auto is expanding its presence in Chesterfield County with the opening of its second location at 17211 Hull Street Road. The full service auto repair shop began in South Chesterfield ten years ago.

“We are very excited about opening a second store,” said Butch and Kim Taylor, owners of Titan Auto & Tire. “Opening a second store is a dream come true. Our customers in North Chesterfield are excited we will be closer to where they live and work. We will now be able to better serve our customers and the community for all their vehicle care needs.”

Its new 12,000-square-foot location in North Chesterfield will open for business on July 14, 2014. The official grand opening celebration will take place on September 19, 2014 with a ribbon cutting ceremony from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m.

Titan Tire & Auto’s expansion will be a $100,000 investment in the County, creating seven new jobs.

“We are very pleased that Titan Auto & Tire continues to grow and expand in Chesterfield County,” said County Administrator Jay Stegmaier. “It’s rewarding to see our locally owned businesses flourish and this expansion is a testament to our strong business climate.”

The New Facility

The New Facility

 

For more information on Titan Tire & Auto, visit their website:

www.titanautotire.com

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Philip Morris USA Building 1 Million-Square-Foot Tobacco Warehouse in Chesterfield

RICHMOND, Va. – Philip Morris USA (PM USA) today announced it intends to invest over $50 million to establish a tobacco leaf storage warehouse complex on 118 acres in Chester, Virginia. PM USA will lease four buildings totaling 1 million square feet off of Bermuda Hundred Road in the Meadowville area of Chesterfield County.

PM USA is developing the new warehouse complex to store raw materials used in making its tobacco products. The warehousing complex will complement PM USA’s existing leaf storage warehouses in the Richmond area.

“This new PM USA facility will be a welcome addition to our corporate community and once again indicates Chesterfield’s commitment to providing a business friendly environment,” said James Holland, Chairman of the Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors.

“We are pleased to continue investing in the Richmond area, which is home to our headquarters and state-of-the-art manufacturing center,” said Cliff Fleet, President and CEO of Philip Morris USA. “This strategic Chesterfield County location will allow us convenient access to our manufacturing facilities and complement our existing storage and production activities.”

PM USA is owned by Altria Group, Inc. (Altria) (NYSE:MO), a Fortune 200 company headquartered in Richmond, Virginia. Altria, along with Philip Morris USA and its other companies employ about 4,000 Virginians at six facilities throughout the region. Since 1983, PM USA has been the largest cigarette manufacturer in the United States. More than 50 percent of the cigarettes produced in the nation are made in its manufacturing center in south Richmond. More than $1 billion dollars flow through Virginia every year from Altria’s companies in the form of taxes, small business revenue, donations and income for thousands of Virginians.

“Altria is one of the top 10 largest employers in the area and we are pleased that they found Chesterfield County to be the right place for their continued investment,” said Jay Stegmaier, County Administrator of Chesterfield County.

Chesterfield Economic Development, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Greater Richmond Partnership, Seefried Industrial Development, Timmons Group, and CBRE assisted PM USA in the site selection process.

PhilipMorrisUSA-1millionSqFt-Warehouse

Contacts:
For Chesterfield Economic Development: Garrett Hart, ghart@chesterfieldbusiness.com (804) 318-8561

For PM USA: Jeff Caldwell, jeffrey.j.caldwell@altria.com (804) 484-8897