Archive for category: News Article

$2 Billion Project Advances To Environmental Permitting & Site Engineering Design Phase With Jacobs Award

Vastly, also known as Tranlin, Inc., today announced it has awarded a contract to Jacobs Engineering Group Inc.  The award was issued to further develop Vastly’s greenfield construction mega project in Chesterfield County, VA. The project scope includes preliminary engineering and design, as well as environmental permitting, of the new Vastly facility, which will produce biostimulant, soil amendment fertilizers and paper tissue products, made from straw sourced from local farmers.

Under the terms of the agreement, Jacobs is responsible for supporting permit acquisition and developing the overall site design, which includes pulping facilities, tissue making, and fertilizer production using Vastly’s proprietary technologies.  Significant engineering is required to file for over 20 permits that will involve at least five regulatory agencies. An exhaustive examination of the company’s activities and their implications on the environment will be required in order for the company to receive the necessary environmental permits.

“We anticipate a concentrated effort in conjunction with the state and federal regulators over the next 18-20 months, which is typical for a project of this scale, to prepare for operations meeting or exceeding all environmental standards,” said Robert Burnley, Senior Advisor to CEO of Vastly and former Director of the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.

In order to build the multi-faceted, advanced manufacturing facilities in Chesterfield County, Virginia, Vastly will leverage technology developed by its parent company, Shandong Tranlin Paper Company Ltd., to implement proprietary straw pulping processes to extract fulvic acid and humic acid biostimulants used to restore soil health.

“We are very excited to partner with Jacobs, a firm with an exceptionally strong reputation, expertise and track record in engineering pulp and paper projects all over the world,” said Jerry Z. Peng, Vastly’s Chairman and CEO. “This new award marks a major milestone for the project and it highlights our commitment to building a world-class, eco-friendly production facility in Chesterfield County.”

“This award is the culmination of great collaboration by a dedicated Vastly team from China and the U.S. We were fortunate to engage some of the world’s leading firms along the selection process, and we are excited to engage Jacobs with its extensive experience in complex, large scale projects.  This represents a major step forward in developing a world class earth restorative operating facility,” said Jason Dunaway, Vastly’s Senior Vice President and Project Executive.

Vastly’s Better Roots biostimulant products will be used by farmers to boost yield, improve long-term soil health and enhance nutrient uptake. The straw pulp fibers are processed into premium paper towels, napkins, bathroom and facial tissue products. These paper products will be tree-free, chlorine-free, compostable, and assembled through an earth-friendly production process.

ABOUT VASTLY

Vastly, also known as Tranlin, Inc., applies world-leading proven technologies to produce fine quality tree-free paper and tissue products and highly effective plant-derived organic acid biostimulant, soil amendment fertilizers for consumer and agricultural use. Vastly’s mission is to build a future-friendly company that makes safe, earth-restorative products from farms, not forests, for American families and farmers. Tranlin, Inc. is the U.S. based subsidiary of Shandong Tranlin Paper Company Ltd., located in Chesterfield County, Virginia.

Company will hire 25-30 workers

CHESTERFIELD, VA – Chesterfield County Economic Development announces that Fajon Turbine Parts & Repairs will establish a office and manufacturing center in the county.

Fajon will begin operations this month at 8310 Shell Road, near Interstate 95. The steam and gas turbine replacement parts and service company has leased a 43,210-square-foot building. Fajon will use the Chesterfield site to do repairs and manufacture renewal parts. The company expects to be fully operational by September.

CEO and president Jerry Booden said Fajon’s expansion to the East Coast should help the Phoenix-based company grow with greater access to different markets.

“The Richmond area proved to be the best option available because of the availability of similar industries to ours,” Booden said. “Our new location is perfect logistically and we look forward to utilizing the Richmond Marine Terminal.”

“I think it’s a strategic location for them and they saw the value of locating right off Interstate 95. This just was a great fit for them because the facility already housed a similar industry,” noted Tina Shreve, Senior Project Manager with Chesterfield County Economic Development.

The existing facility in Chesterfield had exactly what the company was searching for. Fajon’s new space was the former home to Magellan Systems and is appropriately equipped for the new operation, including a heavy duty crane system.

“I think ultimately, Fajon Turbine Parts & Repairs located in Chesterfield County because they were comfortable with our experience in dealing with industrial-based companies,” Tina Shreve said.

The company’s clients have included independent utility companies and U.S.-based institutional refineries. The company plans to hire between 25 and 30 workers.

“We look forward to further assisting Fajon to make Chesterfield County a successful operation for them,” said Shreve.

In addition to Chesterfield Economic Development, Fajon was assisted in the site selection process by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and the Greater Richmond Partnership. David Williams and Stuart Cary of Colliers International represented ownership, while Dawn Griggs of Cushman & Wakefield Thalhimer handled the deal for Fajon.

For more information, contact Tina Shreve at (804) 318-8550, or email at ShreveT@chesterfield.gov

From December 2014 to December 2015, employment increased in 308 of the 342 largest U.S. counties, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported yesterday.

During that period, Chesterfield County added jobs at the fourth-fastest rate in the country. From the 4th quarter of 2014 to the 4th quarter of 2015, employment in Chesterfield County grew by 6.0%. The increase for the entire United States was 1.9% for the same period.

County employment and wage data are from the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW) program, which provides the only detailed quarterly and annual universe count of establishments, employment, and wages at the county, MSA, state, and national levels by detailed industry. These detailed data are published within six months following the end of each calendar quarter.

Source: http://www.bls.gov/news.release/cewqtr.nr0.htm

 

 

Are you interested in doing business with Chesterfield County?
Please join us for “Breakfast with the Buyers”.

Vendors are encouraged to attend this information session sponsored by the Chesterfield County Economic Development and Purchasing Departments.

During this session, County Purchasing staff will provide a brief overview on the County’s procurement processes and share upcoming opportunities related to the featured commodities.

As County Purchasing will take over procurement responsibility for school construction July 1, 2016, this session will offer information on specific changes vendors may realize during this transition.

Don’t miss the opportunity to network with the senior contract officers and other procurement staff directly assigned to these projects!

Featured Buyers:

• Vin Kamatchi, Senior Contract Officer
• Delores Ingram, Senior Contract Officer

Featured Commodities:

1. Construction
2. Furniture
3. Architectural and Engineering Services

Date, Time and Location:

Thursday, June 2, 2016

8:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Meadowdale Library
4301 Meadowdale Boulevard
North Chesterfield, VA 23234

This event is FREE but seating is limited.

Registration is REQUIRED to attend.

 

Chesterfield County is being recognized in the first annual “Best of Economic Development in Virginia.”

Chesterfield Economic Development will be recognized in the “Virginia’s Best Large Market Economic Development Agencies” category by Southern Business and Development Magazine. The recognition is part of a review and article covering the best in economic development in 30 different Virginia categories.

Chesterfield was selected by the members of Southern Business and Development’s Southern Economic Development Roundtable at their annual meeting in January. The Roundtable members include current and former Secretaries of Commerce along with educators, economists, consultants and local economic developers. The top three vote recipients for each category are cited. In the case of a tie, a fourth winner is listed.

‘We are extremely pleased to be selected as Best in Virginia”, said Jay Stegmaier, County Administrator. “This is recognition of the long term support and effort the Board of Supervisors and the County devotes to growing businesses in Chesterfield. We have one of the best economic development teams in the world” added Stegmaier.

The recognition will be in the March/April issue of Southern Business & Development which will feature the “Best of Economic Development in Texas, Virginia and West Virginia.”

Southern Business and Development is a media property that has covered economic development in the American South, the world’s fourth-largest economy, for more than 20 years. Southern Business and Development is frequently quoted by CNN, Time, AP, ABC News, Fox News, CNBC, MSNBC, PBS, The Huffington Post, Yahoo, the BBC and dozens of other electronic media and in publications such as The Wall Street Journal, The Weekly Standard, USA Today and The New York Times. The magazine’s per issue circulation averages 12,814.

Southern Business and Development targets c-suite executive readers in key markets and states located outside the American South. States where readership is emphasized with each edition include Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania in the Northeast, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio in the Midwest and California and Washington on the Pacific coast. Approximately 900 site consultants and/or SIOR members doing business in the U.S. receive each edition.

“Chesterfield Economic Development is one of the top performing economic development agencies in the South or the U.S. for that matter. Their list of major successes continues to grow and is evidence of the quality and consistency of the program” said Michael Randle, Editor and Publisher of Southern Business and Development.

Contact:
Michael C. Randle, Editor & Publisher, Southern Business & Development
(205) 871-1220, michael@sb-d.com

Garrett Hart, Director, Chesterfield Economic Development
(804) 318-8550, ghart@chesterfieldbusiness.com

The Fresh Market, Inc. opened a new store in Chesterfield County this morning, marking the company’s 14th store in the state of Virginia.

At its newest location at 4600 Commonwealth Centre Parkway, in the Commonwealth Center shopping center, the specialty grocer’s full-service philosophy will incorporate unparalleled product selection and expert customer service in an inviting atmosphere.

The Fresh Market employs a team of friendly, well- trained professionals who pride themselves on providing the highest level of customer service to shoppers. Employees can often be found offering cooking advice or sharing their favorite tips to help customers create the perfect meal.

“We are excited to open our new store in Chesterfield County and to expand our reach in Virginia,” said Rick Anicetti, the company’s chief executive officer. “We look forward to introducing The Fresh Market’s concept of quality, great tasting food, excellent customer service and a distinctive atmosphere to an expanded customer base, and we look forward to offering neighboring communities an inspiring new food shopping experience.”

Doors opened at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 28, and grand opening activities will include chef demonstrations, food sampling throughout the store, and drawings for The Fresh Market gift cards. A sample-sized bag of the company’s gourmet coffee and a reusable shopping bag will be free to the first 1,000 customers.

The new store will house over 23,000 square feet of culinary delights, including a bakery that produces 30 freshly baked breads and 14 different pie varieties daily, a full service meat counter with freshly ground beef, a wide selection of ready-to-serve entrées, fresh seafood delivered to the store several times per week, and more than 200 imported and domestic cheeses, as well as a bountiful produce department with more than 400 items and a large organic selection.

“The Fresh Market’s atmosphere is truly unique,” says Anicetti. “Our customers enjoy shopping in an environment that appeals to all the senses, where the smell of freshly brewed coffee and bread right out of the oven, the sound of relaxing music, soft lighting, and the ability to select and taste fresh, high-quality products all work together to create a place where customers are inspired to make every meal extraordinary.”

The Fresh Market is excited to be an active member of the Chesterfield County community. The company has made a significant investment in the market and the new store is bringing approximately 90 new jobs to the area, most of which are being filled locally.

The Fresh Market is committed to the communities where it does business, and its employees enthusiastically support local organizations that are important to the stores’ communities and customers. The new store will proudly partner with FeedMore by providing regular donations of food. In addition, as part of the company’s focus on providing the freshest, best quality products, the store will feature a growing number of local and regional products from area growers and producers.

About The Fresh Market, Inc.

Founded in 1982, The Fresh Market, Inc. is a specialty grocery retailer focused on providing high-quality products in a unique and inviting atmosphere with a high level of customer service. The company currently operates 178 stores in 27 states across the U.S. The Fresh Market is an equal opportunity employer. For more information, please visit www.thefreshmarket.com.

The Kroger Co., the nation’s largest traditional supermarket retailer, announced today the grand opening of the Richmond region’s newest Kroger Marketplace store, located at 10800 Ironbridge Road, between Greenyard and Courtland Roads, in Chesterfield County.

“We are very happy that the newest Kroger Marketplace is opening in the Dale District near the county courthouse complex,” said Jim Holland, Dale District Supervisor, Chesterfield Board of Supervisors. “The Kroger Marketplace will provide an exciting and convenient grocery and dining experience to the residents and workers in the area. We thank Kroger for the $27 million investment and the jobs this facility will create.”

 

The 123,000-square-foot superstore currently employs 360 full- and part-time workers. In addition to offering top-quality grocery selections, the new store provides a unique experience to shoppers by filling 30,000 square feet with non-grocery items, ranging from apparel to home décor. Customers can expect a variety of new and unique features, including:

• Non-grocery departments that include sections that offer a variety of products including apparel, home décor, pet supplies, baby and infant needs, toys, bedding, housewares and more.

• A cheese shop from Greenwich-based Murray’s cheese, offering more than 175 varieties of cheese from all around the world.

• A growler station with 12 rotating selections of popular local and craft brews. Tastings and flights available in store.

• A wine department with more than 2,000 wine selections available, including a wine bar with eight wines on tap for in-store tastings and enjoyment.

• A Little Clinic that staffs board-certified nurse practitioners authorized to diagnose, treat and write prescriptions for common illnesses and also provides a wide selection of additional services such as camp and sports physicals, health screenings and a number of vaccinations.

• An expansive natural foods department offering bulk dry goods, gluten-free items and other specialty, dietary-specific items.

• A Deli Bistro that includes sandwiches prepared to order, a gourmet brick oven pizza station, sushi and other Asian food favorites, comfortable café seating, a fireplace and flat-screen televisions. Chefs are on hand to offer cooking and menu planning advice.

• A full-service drive-thru pharmacy.

• A Starbucks kiosk, including a seating area and free Wi-Fi.

• The Kroger Fuel Center, with nine fuel dispensers, where customers can redeem earned fuel points on all goods purchased.

“The team at the Chester Kroger Marketplace is thrilled to open our doors and begin serving a new community and customer base,” said Alice Jones, store manager at the Chester Kroger Marketplace. “At Kroger, we focus on friendly service and fresh products and it’ll be my pleasure to show our shoppers the Kroger way – every day.” Jones, who’s spent the majority of her career in the grocery business, previously managed the Short Pump Kroger since its opening in 2010.

In line with Kroger’s commitment to the community, the grocer will donate to four not-for-profit organizations, including Chesterfield County Fire & EMS Cares Emergency Fund, Chesterfield Police Foundation, Chesterfield County Food Bank, Thomas Dale High School and L.C. Bird High School. The checks will be presented at the grand opening ribbon cutting on the morning of Wednesday, October 21.

“It’s important for us to connect with the community by understanding what’s important to them and learning how we can make their lives easier and better,” added Jones.

On the morning of the grand opening, the first 500 customers will receive “Breakfast on Kroger,” including a dozen eggs, Sara Lee bread, Smithfield bacon, 3 lbs. of clementine oranges and a Clif bar. From opening day through Saturday, October 31, Kroger will give away different items each day to the first 500 customers in the store each day. Items included in the daily giveaway include products like Tennessee Pride Sausage Gravy, Thomas’ English Muffins, pistachios, Coca-Cola and more.

If you ask the owners of Selah!, LLC, Temple Image and CleanNGoFast, LLC, they will tell you that the library’s Small Business Resource Center was instrumental in them starting and maintaining their businesses.

“At one time our computers were down and we didn’t have the money to get them fixed; so we started to use the library computer,” said Dion Roseboro. Dion and his twin brother Derek began using the library in 2008 to help launch their cleaning business. When they were hit by the bad economy, they took advantage of the Small Business Resource Center to get back on their feet.

“The library was very helpful,” said Dion. “We used the library’s computer to develop our website, develop our brochures, the marketing information, business letterheads, business cards, everything,” said Derek.

CCPL’s Small Business Resource Center has become an integral part of the library system. The goal is to be a one-stop shop for business owners or aspiring entrepreneurs. The center offers a wide variety of resources, including scanners, printers, computers, specialized books, programs and workshops. Customers can also make appointments with experts for one-on- one assistance and receive information tailored to their needs.

“You get a lot done, you meet people, and you’re exposed to classes: just by coming here you get access to many resources,” said Delores Klyvert, owner of Temple Image. Delores’ company conducts paternity tests and provides health and wellness education. Delores says as the owner of a home-based business, there are distractions, and the library provides a place for her to focus and get the job done.

CCPL continues to expand its offerings in response to customers’ needs. The library partners with experts in business creation, such as Greater Richmond GATE and RVAworks. SHiRL, owner of Selah, LLC, a company that provides support for female veterans, attended one of the library’s RVAworks workshops.

“I went through two entrepreneurial programs and out of those two programs, I fine-tuned what I wanted to do,” said SHiRL. “If I didn’t have the Small Business Resource Center, I would be totally lost.”

Learn more by reading Loud and Clear Magazine on the Chesterfield County Public Library web site.

Innovative, high-strength Kevlar® fiber has been instrumental in protecting our public safety personnel

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, VA — Members of the Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors recently presented DuPont CEO Ellen Kullman a resolution to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the invention of Kevlar®. The ceremony was held at DuPont’s Spruance Plant, which has been part of the Chesterfield County community for more than 80 years.

 

“We have worked together a lot over the years, and we greatly appreciate the support,” Kullman said. “Our partnership with the county and the community is critical.”

“DuPont is a great company to have in our community,” Bermuda District Supervisor Dorothy Jaeckle said. “They emphasize safety and are a great employer. DuPont partners with the county on many projects, and they get their employees engaged in the community.”

Kevlar®, a high-strength fiber, was first developed in 1965 by DuPont scientist Stephanie Kwolek and has since become synonymous with lifesaving products. Since its inception, Kevlar® is credited with protecting law enforcement and fire officials, and military personnel worldwide.

“Little did I know the impact that Kevlar® would have on my life personally,” Board of Supervisor Chairman Steve Elswick said. “As a retired firefighter and someone who has many members of my family in public safety and the military, the invention of DuPont’s Kevlar® really hits home to me.”

For 50 years DuPont scientists have been exploring new possibilities for Kevlar®. Kevlar® protects people in space, law enforcement and military, and construction industries, and now this science is available in Reebok Crossfit apparel and footwear, so athletes can perform at their peak and know they have the strength of Kevlar® in their gear so they can push the limits of their sport. DuPontTM Kevlar® continues to evolve, and new innovations are being developed.

The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPont™ and Kevlar® are registered trademarks or trademarks of DuPont or its affiliates.

Contact: Teresa Bonifas | 804-318-8314 | BonifasT@chesterfield.gov

Facebook: chesterfieldva | Twitter: @chesterfieldva | #Cfield

New Facility Part Of Specialty Chemicals Company’s Growth Plan In North America

NORTH CHESTERFIELD, VA – Global specialty chemical company Evonik Industries, one of the world’s leaders in innovation, today inaugurated its Richmond Business and Innovation Center.

 

Dr. Klaus Engel, Chairman of the Executive Board of Evonik Industries AG, along with other company executives and state, county and local officials, cut the ribbon for the new $15.4 million facility in the Greater Richmond area as more than 140 employees, dignitaries and guests marked the occasion.

“At Evonik, new ideas are being incubated while I speak,” Engel said. “Our intention is to turn Evonik into one of the most innovative companies in the world. Evonik’s vigorous culture of innovation will be further strengthened by our new Richmond Business and Innovation Center. The center will not only develop new products and processes but also bring together colleagues from different parts of the company to identify breakthrough technologies.”

In its continuous pursuit of innovation, Engel noted that Evonik has established strong relationships with leading universities, around the world. “Here in Richmond, we are collaborating with Virginia Commonwealth University,” Engel said. “We are participating in a design project for process sustainability with VCU’s Engineering College and we are actively engaged with one-on-one discussions with renowned professors.”

Evonik’s Richmond Business and Innovation Center is a major benefit to the Greater Richmond area, added David DelGuercio, senior vice president and general manager, Evonik Nutrition & Care, North America.

“Rather than build an Innovation Center elsewhere, Evonik purchased a vacant 96,000 square foot structure here and transformed it into a state-of-the art Business and Innovation Center,” DelGuercio said. “We expect to grow and add 50 jobs over the next five years. In addition, by locating the Center in the Greater Richmond area, Evonik preserved 125 local full-time jobs.”

With the new facility, Evonik more than doubles its laboratory and commercial space in the Greater Richmond area. The center combines innovative research and development, marketing, sales, customer service, and support functions such as environment safety and health, procurement, controlling, human resources, and information technology in one facility to foster collaboration, networking and creativity.

Evonik believes innovation is performed by people — not by processes, projects or machines, added DelGuercio. “The company believes the keys to innovation are creativity, courage and team spirit,” he said. “The innovation culture of a company determines how fast employees are able to drive forward good ideas and convert them into a profitable business. The Richmond Business and Innovation Center will play an integral part in this.”

With around 500 projects in its innovation pipeline, Evonik is already one of the world’s most innovative companies.

Evonik participates in the American Chemistry Council‘s Responsible Care program and is certified to the RC 14001 standards and practices in environmental, health, safety, security, product safety and process safety management.

For additional information about Evonik in North America, please visit: www.evonik.com/north-america.