The Virginia Department of Business Assistance has launched a new and improved web site.

Doing business with the Commonwealth of Virginia is now easier than ever. The state has developed eVA, a web-based e-procurement process that changes the way the state does business with its vendors. The new purchasing system automates and streamlines government purchasing activities making business processes easier, better and faster.

DuPont has announced it will consolidate its Richmond area warehouse operations in Chesterfield County. DuPont has contracted with Devon USA, through C.B. Richard Ellis, to invest $30 million to build a new warehousing and logistics center. Devon will build two 400,000-square-foot buildings on the site located on Bellwood Road adjacent to DuPont’s James River Plant.

Maruchan Virginia, Inc., the Japanese-owned ramen noodle manufacturer, has announced plans to expand their Chesterfield County facility at 8101 Whitepine Road in the County’s Airport Industrial Park. The company will puchase 30 acres adjacent to their current facility for the expansion. Once complete the new space will be used for warehousing; two production lines will then be added in the current warehouse space once it is vacated. It is estimated that 130 new employees will be hired as a result of the expansion. Projected investment in the project will approach $31 million.

Bon Secours St Francis Medical Center, near the intersection Route 288 and Powhite Parkway in Chesterfield, broke ground for construction in April. The 29-acre campus will be home to a 130-bed, 200,000 square foot, acute care hospital and an adjacent 100,000 square foot medical office building. The hospital is expected to open Summer 2003.