RICHMOND - Governor Mark R. Warner today announced a $500,000 performance-based grant from the Virginia Investment Partnership (VIP) program that will assist DuPont with its Chesterfield County expansion. The VIP program offers financial assistance to existing Virginia companies proposing significant expansion projects. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership and Chesterfield County Economic Development assisted the company with its decision. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide workforce training services.
DuPont plans to create more than 20 new jobs through a previously announced $50 million investment to increase production of Kevlar para-aramid fiber. Other ongoing, related upgrades will further position the DuPont Spruance site for additional growth opportunities. DuPont employs almost 5,200 workers in the Commonwealth. Virginia successfully competed with other locations for the investment.
“The DuPont Spruance site has continued to be a location of choice for a number of new and innovative products,” said Governor Warner. “We appreciate the continuing commitment DuPont is making to Virginia. This Chesterfield County site has been part of the DuPont family for more than 70 years, providing many quality jobs for hardworking Virginians.”
Because of its unique combination of properties, Kevlar® is used today in a wide variety of industrial applications, such as protective apparel, friction products/asbestos replacement, reinforcement for cockpit doors and fiber optic cable.
“The Spruance site offers the best solution in a globally competitive marketplace considering our commitment to our customers, especially the U.S. military,” said Mike Mayberry, DuPont Spruance site manager. “We are grateful for the working relationship DuPont has with Virginia and Chesterfield County. This type of support makes a world of difference.”
During 2002, DuPont is celebrating its 200th year of scientific achievement and innovation – providing products and services that improve the lives of people everywhere. Based in Wilmington, Delaware, DuPont delivers science-based solutions for markets that make a difference in people’s lives in food and nutrition; health care; apparel; home and construction; electronics; and transportation.