Microporous, a Tennessee-based supplier of battery separators, announced it’s investing $1.3 billion to establish a manufacturing facility in Pittsylvania County that will create 2,015 new jobs.
“Microporous is dedicated to developing the local workforce, investing in the community to improve opportunities for the local economy, and creating a better tomorrow for everyone,” said CEO John Reeves.
The new facility is slated to be developed in two phases, with about 500,000 square feet in each phase, at the Southern Virginia Megasite.
According to a joint press release from Microporous and Governor Glenn Youngkin’s office, Virginia successfully competed with North Carolina for this deal. And government leaders are celebrating it is a major milestone for Virginia’s position in the manufacturing sector.
“This project not only brings over 2,000 new jobs to Southside Virginia, but also positions the Commonwealth at the forefront of our nation’s resurgence in manufacturing. Microporous’ decision to establish their new facility here underscores Virginia’s competitive advantages and our commitment to leading the way in innovative industries,” said Youngkin.
U.S. Senator Mark Warner echoed that saying, “This new manufacturing facility will not only create over 2,000 good-paying jobs but will also help to continue to position Virginia as the advanced manufacturing hub of the United States.”
Microporous has an 80-year history of manufacturing lead-acid battery separators, but the company has been awarded a $100 million dollar grant from the Department of Energy to establish a U.S.-based Li-ion battery separator manufacturing facility to serve the North American electric vehicle (EV) market.
Virginia’s U.S. Senators, Warner and Tim Kaine, both noted that $100 million was possible due to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill they helped get done.
Additionally, subject to approval by the Virginia General Assembly, Microporous will be eligible to receive Major Employment and Investment Project Commission approved special appropriation of up to $60.6 million based on the investment of over $1.3 billion and the creation of over 2,000 jobs.
The Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission, which has invested nearly $35 million in the Southern Virginia Megasite, approved up to $25 million in low-interest financing to bring major natural gas service to the project. And Microporous is eligible to apply for state grants from The Port of Virginia.
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