RICHMOND - Governor Mark R. Warner today announced that DuPont Engineering Polymers will create 20 new jobs with a major new polymer plant in Chesterfield County. The plant will meet increasing demand for DuPont™ Zytel® HTN high-performance polyamide resins with 30-million pounds per year of capacity. Located adjacent to DuPont’s existing Richmond site in Chesterfield County, the new facility is scheduled for startup by the end of 2004. Virginia successfully competed with other states for the project.
“DuPont’s continuing investment in Chesterfield County is a significant win for Virginia and for the people of Chesterfield County,” said Governor Warner. “Over the years, state and local officials have worked closely with DuPont to make sure that when the company is ready to expand, it brings the new jobs and investment to Virginia. Today’s announcement is a testament to our efforts and the Commonwealth’s pro-business climate.”
DuPont is a science company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by solving problems and creating solutions that make people’s lives better, safer and easier. Operating in more than 70 countries, the company offers a wide range of products and services to markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.
“The expansion will more than double our base polymer capacity for DuPont™ Zytel® HTN,” said Clive Robertson, Global Business Manager for the material. “This move supports and enables ongoing development of expanding global markets for Zytel® HTN in components for automotive, electrical/electronic and various other consumer and industrial products.” Among its many applications are automotive fuel valves and coolant system components, multi-pin electronic connectors for surface-mount circuit assembly, parts for consumer electronic devices, oven fans, manifolds for water heaters and power transformer components.
"Today's announcement by DuPont demonstrates that Chesterfield County's commitment to being the FIRST CHOICE business community is recognized by the nation's leading industries. We are proud that DuPont has chosen to expand its operations in Chesterfield County, and we wish the company continued success here," said Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors Chairman Art Warren.
Governor Mark R. Warner approved a $150,000 performance-based grant from the Virginia Investment Partnership (VIP) program that will assist DuPont Engineering Polymers with the Chesterfield County project. The VIP program offers financial assistance to existing Virginia companies proposing significant expansion projects with at least $25 million in capital investment. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership and the Chesterfield Department of Economic Development assisted DuPont with its decision. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide workforce training services.