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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Microporous Plans Pittsylvania County, Virginia, Manufacturing Operations

11/15/2024
Microporous LLC, a manufacturer of battery separators, plans to establish operations in Pittsylvania County, Virginia. The $1.35 billion project is expected to create 2,015 jobs.

The new manufacturing facility, located at the Southern Virginia Megasite, is scheduled to begin operations by 2026.

“With the new facility in Berry Hill, Microporous is taking a major step toward the future of energy storage technology,” said Microporous CEO John Reeves. “We extend our deepest gratitude to the Department of Energy, the Commonwealth of Virginia, Pittsylvania County, and the City of Danville for their incredible support and collaboration in making this project possible. Microporous is dedicated to developing the local workforce, investing in the community to improve opportunities for the local economy, and creating a better tomorrow for everyone.”

Microporous will be eligible to receive an MEI Commission-approved special appropriation of up to $60.6 million based on an investment of more than $1.3 billion and the creation of jobs estimated to be in excess of 2,000, subject to approval by the Virginia General Assembly. The Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission approved up to $25 million in low-interest financing to bring major natural gas service to the project. Additionally, the company is eligible to apply for state grants from The Port of Virginia.

The Virginia Talent Accelerator Program, a program run by VEDP with higher education partners, will provide recruitment and training services to the company.

“The decision by Microporous to locate in the Southern Virginia Megasite demonstrates the transformative power of strategic long-term economic development," noted Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick. “This investment will undoubtedly catalyze growth in the region's advanced manufacturing sector and strengthen Virginia's position in the rapidly evolving battery technology industry."

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) worked with the Danville-Pittsylvania County Regional Industrial Facility Authority, Pittsylvania County, the City of Danville, the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance, the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission, and the General Assembly’s Major Employment and Investment Project Approval Commission (MEI Commission) to secure the project for Virginia.

“Welcoming an industry leader with over 80 years of experience, yet at the forefront of industry innovations, as the first tenant in the Southern Virginia Megasite sets an inspiring precedent,” added Southern Virginia Regional Alliance Executive Director Linda Green. “Their commitment to a community benefits plan that aligns their growth with our region’s economic prosperity establishes a high standard for future companies. This partnership not only attracts promising new businesses to our area but also reinforces a shared vision for sustained regional success.”

Microporous is a manufacturer, developer, and marketer of battery separators and engineered materials. The company's separators are used by battery manufacturers for applications such as Starting Lighting and Ignition ("SLI"?) batteries for automobiles and trucks, golf car batteries, forklift batteries, and industrial standby power. Microporous currently operates facilities in Tennessee and Austria.

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