Solstice Advanced Materials Inc. will invest more than $220 million to expand its ballistic fiber manufacturing facility in Chesterfield County, Virginia, Governor Glenn Youngkin announced today. The expansion is expected to create 100 new jobs at the plant on Woods Edge Road in South Chesterfield. The facility produces lightweight fibers that are 15 times stronger than steel by weight and are used in body and vehicle armor.
“Solstice Advanced Materials’ expansion in Chesterfield underscores Virginia’s leadership in the advanced manufacturing and materials industry,” said Governor Glenn 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.”
Secretary of Commerce and Trade Juan Pablo Segura commented, “Solstice’s commitment to Chesterfield is a win for the Commonwealth and for our advanced manufacturing ecosystem. Virginia’s reliable infrastructure, pro-business climate, and world‑class workforce give innovators the confidence to scale critical technologies right here at home.”
David Sewell, President and CEO of Solstice Advanced Materials, said, “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. 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.”
The company provides specialty materials used across various industries such as refrigerants, semiconductor manufacturing, data center cooling, nuclear power, protective fibers, healthcare packaging, among others. Solstice operates globally with about 4,000 employees and maintains a portfolio of over 5,700 patents.
Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors Chair Mark S. Miller stated, “We are thrilled to share in this exciting announcement from our long-term partners at Solstice Advanced Materials. 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.”
Lieutenant Governor-elect Ghazala Hashmi added: “This investment from Solstice Advanced Materials brings new, high-quality jobs and long-term opportunities for our local workforce. This new economic development opportunity is helping cement Chesterfield County as a hub for advanced manufacturing and innovation. Investments like this ensure the region remains competitive, attracts top talent, and drives the kind of development that keeps central Virginia growing.”
The project was secured through collaboration between the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) and Chesterfield County authorities. To support this expansion effort:
– Governor Youngkin approved a performance-based grant of $2 million from the Virginia Investment Performance Grant.
– A $1.5 million grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund was also authorized to assist with project costs.
– VEDP will provide additional support through its Virginia Jobs Investment Program (VJIP), which offers consultative services and funding aimed at supporting recruitment and training activities for new employees.
These initiatives reflect ongoing efforts by state agencies to encourage capital investment by existing companies while reducing human resource costs associated with job creation.
