DANVILLE, Va. (WDBJ/News release from the Governor’s Office) – microporous LLCa manufacturer of battery separators, will invest $1.35 billion to establish a manufacturing facility in Pittsylvania County, according to Gov. Glenn Youngkin. The company is expected to develop two phases of the project on Lot 1 of the Southern Virginia Megasite, with each phase of the facility measuring approximately 500,000 square feet. Lot 2 of the Megasite should be under consideration for future expansion.

This project will create 2,015 jobs, according to Youngkin. Virginia competed with North Carolina for the project.

“With the new facility in Berry Hill, Microporous is taking a major step toward the future of energy storage technology,” said John Reeves, CEO of Microporous.. “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 that made 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 future for all.

“This historic $1.35 billion investment by Microporous in Pittsylvania County marks a new chapter in the incredible history of advanced manufacturing in Virginia,” Youngkin said. “This project not only creates more than 2,000 new jobs in southern Virginia, but also places the Commonwealth at the forefront of our nation’s manufacturing resurgence.” Microporous’ decision to locate its new facility here underscores Virginia’s competitive advantages and our commitment to leading the way in innovative industries.

“We welcome Microporous to Virginia and our region as it launches this transformative project,” Danville Mayor Alonzo Jones said. “These significant investments and job creation represent a major step forward for our region, positioning us at the forefront of advanced manufacturing in the lithium-ion battery industry. This partnership strengthens our local economy and underscores Virginia’s commitment to fostering innovation and growth. We look forward to supporting Microporous and seeing the positive impact this facility will have on our community for years to come.

“Microporous’ selection of Pittsylvania County is a massive win for Southside and the entire Commonwealth,” said U.S. Senator Mark Warner (D-VA). “This investment was made possible in part by a $100 million allocation courtesy of the bipartisan Infrastructure Act, which I was proud to help negotiate. This new manufacturing facility will not only create more than 2,000 good-paying jobs, but will also help continue to position Virginia as the advanced manufacturing hub of the United States. I look forward to welcoming Microporous to the Commonwealth and working together for years to come.

“I am pleased that Microporous will receive federal funding that I helped secure through the bipartisan infrastructure bill to build a facility at the Southern Virginia Megasite in Pittsylvania County, creating more than 2 000 jobs and growing the region’s economy,” said U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (Democrat). -VIRGINIA). “This demonstrates years of hard work and collaboration, including working in a bipartisan manner to address permitting challenges at Southside economic development sites. With major federal investments from the bipartisan infrastructure bill and smart steps to cut red tape, it’s clear our work is paying off. I look forward to continuing to collaborate with the company and local stakeholders to ensure Microporous’ success in Virginia.”

According to a statement from the governor’s office:

Microporous, headquartered in Piney Flats, Tennessee, is a manufacturer, developer and distributor of battery separators and engineered materials. The company plans to build on its core strengths in lead-acid battery separators, expanding into battery separators for lithium-ion batteries that are used in electric vehicles, energy storage systems, industrial and consumer electronics applications.

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership has worked with the Danville-Pittsylvania County Regional Industrial Facilities Authority, Pittsylvania County, City of Danville, Southern Virginia Regional Alliance, Virginia Revitalization Commission Virginia Tobacco Region and the General Assembly’s Major Employment and Investment Projects Approval Committee (MEI Committee) to secure the project for Virginia. Microporous will be eligible to receive a special MEI Commission-approved credit of up to $60.6 million, based on an investment of more than $1.3 billion and estimated job creation of more than 2,000, subject to approval of the Virginia General Assembly. The Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission, which has invested nearly $35 million in the Southern Virginia megasite since 2008, approved up to $25 million in low-interest financing to bring a major natural gas service to the project. Additionally, the company is eligible to apply for state grants from the Port of Virginia.

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