Solstice Invests Over $220 Million to Expand UHMWPE Production

On January 14, Specialized Plastics News learned that Solstice Advanced Materials, a leading global company in high-performance specialty materials, announced on January 13 plans to invest over $220 million to advance multiple projects, expanding its existing ballistic fiber production facility located in Colonial Heights, Chesterfield County, Virginia. The expansion project is expected to create 100 new full-time jobs in the local area by 2029.

The Colonial Heights production facility has been a crucial pillar of the U.S. defense supply chain for over two decades, primarily manufacturing Spectra® fibers and composite materials. These products are used in helmets, bulletproof vests, vehicle armor, naval equipment, and various defense fields, as well as widely serving various industrial scenarios. Through this investment, Solstice will add new fiber spinning, composite coating, and analytical testing capacities to the facility, creating one of the most technologically advanced ballistic material production hubs in North America. The construction and equipment installation work at the facility is expected to take place between 2025 and 2029, with project benefits gradually being realized. The overall project is expected to be completed by September 30, 2030.

"This investment demonstrates Solstice's commitment to maintaining its leading position in high-performance protective materials technology, and will further strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities in the U.S., enhancing the supply chain resilience of critical defense materials," said David Sewell, President and CEO of Solstice Advanced Materials. "Our advanced fibers and composite materials provide essential protection for defense, law enforcement, and industrial sectors, all of which are important growth markets for Solstice Advanced Materials."

"Solstice's expansion project in Chesterfield County underscores Virginia's leadership position in the advanced manufacturing and materials industry," said Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin. "The bulletproof fibers they produce protect those who protect us, and this business expansion also reflects the strong talent pool in Virginia. Such collaboration will ensure that Virginia remains the top choice for businesses to settle, grow, and innovate."

"Solstice's steadfast commitment to Chesterfield County benefits both Virginia and will promote the development of the local advanced manufacturing ecosystem," said Juan Pablo Segura, Secretary of the Virginia Department of Commerce and Trade. "Virginia offers reliable infrastructure, a business-friendly environment, and a world-class workforce, all of which give innovative companies the confidence to scale critical technologies locally."

The expansion will enhance the production capacity of Spectra® and Spectra Shield® technologies. The core of these technologies is ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers, which can be up to 15 times stronger than steel and are 65% lighter than aramid fabrics. The Colonial Heights facility has world-class research and prototyping capabilities, covering the entire process from fiber spinning, ballistic testing, to composite material preparation. This advantage will help Solstice accelerate the innovation cycle and launch next-generation lightweight armor systems and advanced soldier protection solutions, achieving key defense technology outcomes.

This project will also help the U.S. military achieve its core strategic goals: to maintain and expand domestic production of advanced ballistic materials in the context of increasingly intense global competition.

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) collaborated with Chesterfield County Government to support the project through the Virginia Investment Performance (VIP) grant. This grant provides consulting services and financial support to businesses creating new jobs, assisting them in employee recruitment and training efforts.

In addition, Governor Glenn Youngkin has approved the allocation of a $1.5 million grant from the Virginia Opportunity Fund and provided a $2 million performance-based Virginia Investment Performance (VIP) grant to support Chesterfield County in advancing the project, while encouraging local businesses in Virginia to continue increasing their capital investment.

"This expansion reflects our long-term confidence in the state of Virginia and underscores our firm commitment to supporting the development of the U.S. defense industrial base," said Lawrence Kast, Senior Vice President of Global Government Relations at Solstice. "We sincerely appreciate the collaborative support from the state and county government leaders, as it is this cooperation that ensures the continued domestic production of critical materials needed for defense."