Solstice Advanced Materials invests $220M in Chesterfield County facility expansion

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced that Solstice Advanced Materials Inc. will be investing $220 million to expand its facility in Chesterfield County.

On Tuesday, Jan. 13, Youngkin announced in a press release that Solstice Advanced Materials Inc. has planned to invest more than $220 million in projects that will expand the ballistic fiber manufacturing facility located in South Chesterfield County.

Once completed, the expansion project will create over 100 new jobs for the state.

The facility produces various types of fibers used in fake ballistic dummy bodies and vehicle armor. These materials are 15 times stronger than steel by weight, according to the release.

“Solstice Advanced Materials’ expansion in Chesterfield underscores Virginia’s leadership in the advanced manufacturing and materials industry,” said Youngkin. “Their ballistic fibers help protect those who protect us, and this growth reflects the strength of the Commonwealth’s talent. Partnerships like this will ensure Virginia remains the best place to build and innovate.”

“Solstice Advanced Materials has a long history of investment and innovation in Virginia, and these investments reflect the confidence we have in the Commonwealth as a partner,” said Solstice Advanced Materials President and CEO David Sewell. “Our ballistic fiber technologies play an essential role in protecting service members and first responders across the country. We deeply appreciate Governor Youngkin’s strong support for an increased investment in the talented Virginia workforce that enables us to meet growing customer demand for that offering.”

Solstice Advanced Materials produces various products to aid the advancement of science. Some of these products include "refrigerants, semiconductor manufacturing, data center cooling, nuclear power, protective fibers, healthcare packaging and more" per the release.

They have over 3,000 customers worldwide, spanning more than 120 countries.

“We are thrilled to share in this exciting announcement from our long-term partners at Solstice Advanced Materials,” said Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors Chair Mark S. Miller. “This significant reinvestment in our community will further strengthen our local workforce and our significant advanced manufacturing base. We look forward to their continued success as they expand their footprint in our community.”

In order to approve the project, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) partnered with Chesterfield County. Youngkin approved a grant of more than $2 million from the Virginia Investment Performance Grant. An incentive that invests in existing Virginia companies to support capital investments.

Additionally, a $1.5 million grant was approved by Youngkin from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to help Chesterfield with the expansion project.

VEDP will be supporting the jobs created through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program. This helps companies create new jobs by providing consultation and support.