Microporous LLC, a leading manufacturer of battery separators and engineered materials, has announced a $1.35 billion investment to establish a new manufacturing facility at the Southern Virginia Megasite in Pittsylvania County.
This state-of-the-art facility will span over 1 million square feet across two development phases and create more than 2,000 jobs. The Southern Virginia Megasite’s strategic infrastructure and collaborative resources position the region as a hub for advanced manufacturing.
Headquartered in Sullivan County, Tennessee, near Bristol, Virginia, Microporous has a long history of innovation in battery separators. For more than eight decades, the company has produced separators for lead-acid batteries, the oldest rechargeable battery technology, widely used in vehicles and grid systems. The company also operates a facility in Austria. At the Southern Virginia Megasite, Microporous will expand into producing separators for lithium-ion batteries, critical components for electric vehicles, energy storage systems, and other advanced applications.
Advanced Technology Impact
Battery separators, such as those manufactured by Microporous, play a critical role in ensuring safety, reliability, and performance across various applications. The new facility will support the rapidly evolving battery technology industry by producing separators essential for lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries. These components are vital for ensuring efficiency and safety in electric vehicles and energy storage systems.
Microporous’ $1.35 billion investment, supported by a $100 million federal award through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, underscores the importance of partnerships in advancing energy storage innovation. State and local collaborations, including the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission, further facilitated the project’s success by ensuring key infrastructure and workforce readiness.
Workforce Development and Strategic Collaboration
The Virginia Talent Accelerator Program will provide customized recruitment and training services to support Microporous’ hiring efforts. Recognized as the No. 1 Customized Workforce Training Program in the United States, the program will play a pivotal role in equipping employees with the specialized skills required for the advanced manufacturing facility.
Microporous CEO John Reeves expressed gratitude to local, state, and federal collaborators, stating: ““With the new facility in Berry Hill, Microporous is taking a major step toward the future of energy storage technology. 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.”
A Catalyst for Regional Economic Development and Growth
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin highlighted the significance of the project, noting: “This historic $1.35 billion investment by Microporous in Pittsylvania County marks a new chapter in Virginia’s incredible advanced manufacturing story. This project not only brings over 2,000 new jobs to Southside Virginia, but also positions the Commonwealth at the forefront of our nation’s resurgence in manufacturing. Microporous’ decision to establish their new facility here underscores Virginia’s competitive advantages and our commitment to leading the way in innovative industries.”
Local officials and legislators echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the project’s potential to boost regional economic development and establish Southern Virginia as a leader in advanced battery manufacturing.
For more information about Microporous, please click here.
Source/Photo Credit: Microporous LLC
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