RICHMOND - Governor Mark R. Warner today announced that Celanese Acetate LLC will expand its research and development capacity in Giles County. The expansion will create 55 new jobs at its existing Narrows facility, which currently employs more than 1,000 people. The new jobs include skilled positions such as chemists, engineers and technicians with higher-than-average salaries for the county.
“I am very pleased that Celanese Acetate has decided to expand in Giles County,” said Governor Warner. “Quality jobs and significant capital investment strengthen the entire Southwest region and will provide opportunities for future growth.”
Celanese Acetate is the world’s largest acetate producer, supplying acetate for markets including women’s and men’s apparel, linings, home fashions and various industrial end uses. The company is a business of Celanese AG. The Celanese portfolio consists of five main businesses: Acetyl Products, Chemical Intermediates, Acetate Products, Technical Polymers Ticona and Performance Products. The company has been located in Giles County since 1939. Celanese Acetate chose the Narrows plant for the expansion because it is the company’s only site that produces all three of its acetate products, which include acetate flake, acetate tow and acetate filament.
“We welcome our research and development organization to the Narrows site,” said Rebecca “Bek” Humelsine, Vice President of Global Manufacturing and Site Director at the Narrows facility. “Having our research and development activities located at our largest manufacturing site will enable us to quickly integrate new developments into our manufacturing operations.”
Governor Warner approved a $150,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to support Giles County with the project. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the New River Valley Economic Development Alliance and Giles County assisted Celanese Acetate with its decision. U.S. Congressman Rick Boucher was also instrumental in securing this project for Virginia. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide workforce training services.
“Celanese has long been the lifeblood of the area’s economy and we are thrilled that they are bringing this project here,” said Giles County Board of Supervisors Chairman Barbara Hobbs. “These are the type of truly high-tech manufacturing jobs that every locality wants and we feel very fortunate to get them.”