Solstice: Strengthening Defence with Supply Chain Expansion

Solstice Advanced Materials, a global leader in high-performance specialty materials, has announced its plans to invest more than US$220m in a new expansion project.

This project will create one of North America's most advanced ballistic materials production hubs while strengthening US defence supply chain resilience.

Through the expansion, the region is establishing itself as a skilled and efficient workforce, with support from its local government. 

Investments for supply chain expansion

Solstice Advanced Materials works on advancing science for more intelligent outcomes, offering high-performance solutions to help critical industries and applications. Much of its capabilities focus on semiconductor manufacturing, cooling, data centre, nuclear power, healthcare packaging, refrigerants, protective fibres and more.

The company has a range of brands which develop next-generation materials, including Solstice, Aclar, Spectra and Fluka. It partners with more than 3,000 customers across 120 countries and territories, driving innovation in materials science.

Solstice Advanced Materials has announced plans to invest more than US$220m across a range projects in order to expand production at its ballistic fibre manufacturing facility in Colonial Heights, Virginia. The facility, and its expansion, is expected to create 100 new full-time jobs across the community by 2029. 

For more than two decades, the Colonial Heights facility has been seen as a main contributor to US defence supply chains, as a result of its Spectra fibre and composite materials which are used in vests, helmets, vehicle armour and naval applications. Moreover, it has been a significant site for the region's job opportunities.

"Solstice's commitment to Chesterfield is a win for the Commonwealth and for our advanced manufacturing ecosystem," says Secretary of Commerce and Trade Juan Pablo Segura.

"Virginia's reliable infrastructure, pro-business climate, and world‑class workforce give innovators the confidence to scale critical technologies right here at home." 

Increasing production capabilties

The investment will ensure the enhancement of its facility, providing the capabilities for new fibre spinning, composite coating and analytical opportunities. As a result, it will become one of the leading ballistic materials production hubs in North America. Construction and equipment installation will take place between 2025 and 2029, with expectations of project completion by October 2030.

"This investment underscores Solstice's commitment to maintaining technology leadership in high-performance protective materials, strengthening US-based manufacturing and enhancing supply chain resiliency for defence-critical materials," adds David Sewell, President and CEO of Solstice Advanced Materials.

"Our advanced fibers and composites deliver critical protection across defence, law enforcement and industrial applications – all of which represent significant growth markets for Solstice."

Through the expansion, capacity for Spectra and Spectra Shield technologies will increase, resulting in faster and more efficient supply chains which can meet demand. This includes production of the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibres which are up to 15 times stronger than steel and 65% lighter than aramid fabrics.

The state-of-the-art R&D and prototyping capabilities increase speed for innovation cycles and delivery of mission-critical advancements. The investment means faster development of lightweight armour systems and advanced soldier protection solutions. 

"Solstice Advanced Materials' expansion in Chesterfield underscores Virginia's leadership in the advanced manufacturing and materials industry," says Governor Glenn Youngkin.

"Their ballistic fibers help protect those who protect us, and this growth reflects the strength of the Commonwealth's talent. Partnerships like this will ensure Virginia remains the best place to build and innovate."

All sustainability, net zero and sustainable supply chain leaders should attend:

• Procurement and Supply Chain LIVE: The Net Zero Summit - QEII Centre, London, March 4-5
• Procurement and Supply Chain LIVE: The US Summit - Navy Pier, Chicago, April 21-22

Co-located with Sustainability LIVE, these events brings together CSOs, ESG leaders and senior decision-makers at a moment when sustainability, supply chains and commercial performance are increasingly interconnected.

Tickets can be booked online today for The Net Zero Summit and The US Summit. Group discounts available.

Ensuring local production

The project also solidifies the US military's aim to expand domestic production of advanced ballistic materials, rather than rely on global companies. The expansion also aims to maintain the edge against rising global competition for production. 

The expansion project was supported by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP). Through the Virginia Investment Performance (VIP) Grant, companies which are actively creating new jobs gain funding and consulting services in order to support training and employee recruitment.

By doing this, the state is maintaining an active and skilled workforce, in order to develop a resilient and efficient region.

"This expansion reflects our long-term confidence in the Commonwealth of Virginia and our commitment to advancing America's defence industrial base," comments Lawrence Kast, Senior Vice President, Global Government Relations, Solstice Advanced Materials.

"We're grateful for the collaborative support from state and local leaders, whose partnership ensures that the critical materials needed for national defence continue to be produced here in the United States."

Through the local government's support and the investment of Solstice, the region will see a comfortable boost in order to develop more streamlined and efficient production within the US defence supply chain.