LS GreenLink USA Inc, a subsidiary of the global powerhouse LS Cable & System Ltd has officially commenced construction on its cutting-edge manufacturing and port facility in Chesapeake, Virginia. The facility is being built with the initial phase costing $681 million in investments and promising the creation of over 330 new employment opportunities in the Hampton Roads region. Future phases of the project are also in the pipeline, signaling a long-term commitment to the area.

The ambitious initial phase of development will encompass a sprawling 750,000 sq. ft. advanced manufacturing plant, a towering 660-foot Vertical Continuous Vulcanization (VCV) tower, and a dedicated pier. This integrated infrastructure is designed to optimize the production, efficient handling, and seamless global delivery of high-voltage direct current (HVDC) submarine cables, which are cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) DC cables.

The initial phase of the LS GreenLink facility is anticipated to be completed by the third quarter of 2027, with full operational capacity expected by the first quarter of 2028. The strategic location in Chesapeake, with its access to maritime infrastructure, will be crucial for the efficient distribution of the manufactured HVDC submarine cables globally. Subsequent phases of the project are planned to further expand production capacity and incorporate advanced technological capabilities to meet the evolving demands of the global energy landscape.

Notably, the 660-foot VCV tower is projected to become the tallest structure in the Commonwealth of Virginia and the tallest between Philadelphia and Charlotte, dramatically altering the regional skyline and underscoring the facility's significant presence.

Bon-Kyu Koo, President & CEO of LS Cable & System, emphasized the global significance of the project, stating, "This groundbreaking marks a monumental step forward for LS Cable & System in fulfilling our global vision for energy infrastructure. By investing in cutting-edge manufacturing facilities like the one in Chesapeake, Virginia, we not only strengthen our competitive position in the global market but also play a crucial role in providing innovative solutions to meet the world’s growing energy demands."

Patrick Y. Shim, Managing Director of LS GreenLink USA, Inc., echoed this sentiment, stating, "This groundbreaking event represents far more than the launch of a construction project - it marks the start of a long-term investment in innovation, sustainability, and energy resilience. With this facility, LS GreenLink is laying the foundation for leadership in advanced manufacturing while reinforcing the global energy infrastructure that powers industries and communities worldwide."

U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, along with U.S. Representative Bobby Scott, also lauded the project for its economic benefits and its contribution to the clean energy sector. Senator Kaine specifically highlighted the role of tax credits in the Inflation Reduction Act in facilitating the investment.