RICHMOND - Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced that DuPont will invest $25.5 million to expand its operations in Chesterfield County, creating 50 new jobs. DuPont’s Chesterfield County plant manufactures DuPont™ Tyvek® nonwovens, a protective material made from very fine, high-density polyethylene fibers with all the characteristics of paper, film and fabric in one material. This expansion will add capacity to produce additional Tyvek® HomeWrap®.
“DuPont has been an important economic partner for Virginia for decades,” said Governor Kaine. “The brand leadership for this Tyvek® product together with the company’s history of productivity in Virginia has helped drive this expansion.”
DuPont is a science company headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware. Founded in 1802 and operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of products and services for markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.
DuPont Tyvek® has introduced new dimensions of protection, security and safety in a variety of industries, including protective apparel, construction, envelopes, medical packaging and graphics. The product’s balance of properties, not found in any other material, makes Tyvek® lightweight yet strong; vapor-permeable, yet water-, chemical-, puncture-, tear- and abrasion-resistant. Tyvek® is also low-linting, smooth and opaque.
"Chesterfield County, Virginia was chosen as the site for this expansion based upon strong economic factors and a great deal of confidence that we could continue to be successful working with the people and government leaders in this community," said Gregg Funari, Operations Business Leader- DuPont Nonwovens.
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Chesterfield County to secure the project for Virginia. The company is eligible to receive state benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, because it is locating in a Virginia Enterprise Zone. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will also support the project with training assistance through its Workforce Services Jobs Investment Program.
"Chesterfield County is open for business, and welcomes new business ventures,” said Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors Chairman Dickie King. “But, our existing businesses are equally important to us, and we are very happy that DuPont is expanding its production of Tyvek® here. This significant investment in the County will provide additional revenue, as well as employment opportunities, that will benefit the County and the region."