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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Solenis Expands Suffolk, Virginia, Operations

01/15/2024
Solenis, a global producer of specialty chemicals for water-intensive industries, plans to expand its operations in Suffolk, Virginia. The $193 million project is expected to create 34 jobs.

The company will construct a new 80,000-square-foot production facility, packaging facility, and tank farm, and add a new rail spur to accommodate production of polyvinylamine (PVAm) polymer products, which are used in paper and cardboard manufacturing.

“This investment is part of our ongoing commitment to provide value for customers while helping them advance their sustainability initiatives,” said John Panichella, CEO, Solenis. “As demand rises for sustainable manufacturing operations, this new facility not only ensures we have capacity to supply the paper packaging market, it will also help us diversify into other applications that can drive additional growth.”

The Governor’s office approved a $275,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist the City of Suffolk with the project. The company is also eligible to receive Port of Virginia tax credits and benefits from the Rail Industrial Access Program, subject to approval by the Commonwealth Transportation Board.

“We are proud to have Solenis on Virginia’s roster as a long-term corporate partner and congratulate the company on its continued success in Hampton Roads,” noted Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick. “This expansion reinforces that the Commonwealth offers the premier location, talent, and infrastructure that global manufacturers like Solenis require to meet customer demand and reach new markets. Virginia looks forward to continuing a successful partnership.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) worked with the City of Suffolk and the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation to secure the project for Virginia.

“There is significant competition to have a company like Solenis invest and expand its operations,” added Stephen A. Edwards, CEO and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority. “Having The Port of Virginia, the nation’s most modern gateway, as your logistics partner and the ability to expand in neighboring Suffolk are critical factors in these kinds of decisions. This expansion is going to help drive import and export growth here and we are ready to work with Solenis to ensure that its cargo is handled with smooth, safe efficiency.”

Solenis, formerly Ashland Water Technologies, is an American manufacturer of specialty chemicals for the pulp, paper, oil and gas, chemical processing, mining, biorefining, power and municipal markets. The company’s product portfolio includes a broad array of water treatment chemistries, process aids, functional additives, and cleaners and disinfectants, as well as state-of-the-art monitoring and control systems.

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