Solstice will invest over $220 million to expand Virginia ballistic fiber manufacturing, boosting defense supply chains and creating 100 jobs.
Solstice Advanced Materials, a major global supplier of high-performance specialty materials, has unveiled plans to invest more than $220 million to significantly expand manufacturing operations at its existing ballistic fiber facility located in Colonial Heights, within Chesterfield County, Virginia. The multi-year investment program is expected to strengthen domestic production of critical defense materials while generating approximately 100 new full-time jobs by 2029, reinforcing the region’s role in advanced manufacturing and national security supply chains.
For more than 20 years, the Colonial Heights plant has served as a vital pillar of the United States’ defense industrial base. The facility produces advanced Spectra® fiber and composite materials that are widely used in personal protective equipment such as helmets and ballistic vests, as well as in vehicle armor, naval protection systems, and a range of demanding industrial applications. Building on this legacy, the new investment will introduce additional fiber-spinning lines, expanded composite-coating operations, and enhanced analytical and testing capabilities. Together, these upgrades will transform the site into one of the most advanced ballistic materials manufacturing hubs in North America.
Construction activities and the installation of new equipment are scheduled to take place progressively between 2025 and 2029. As systems are commissioned, operational benefits are expected to scale steadily, with full project completion targeted for September 30, 2030. Once fully operational, the expanded facility will offer greater production flexibility, improved throughput, and faster innovation cycles, ensuring the company can respond to evolving defense and security requirements.
According to David Sewell, President and Chief Executive Officer, the investment reflects a long-term commitment to maintaining technological leadership in high-performance protective materials. He emphasized that expanding U.S.-based manufacturing capacity is essential for improving supply chain resilience, particularly for defense-critical materials that must remain reliable and secure. The company’s advanced fibers and composites play a crucial role across defense, law enforcement, and industrial markets, all of which continue to show strong growth potential.
The expansion has also been welcomed by state leadership. Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin highlighted that the project underscores the Commonwealth’s leadership in advanced manufacturing and materials science. He noted that ballistic fibers produced in the state help safeguard military personnel and first responders, while also showcasing the depth of Virginia’s skilled workforce and innovation ecosystem. Similarly, Secretary of Commerce and Trade Juan Pablo Segura pointed to Virginia’s reliable infrastructure, business-friendly environment, and world-class talent base as key factors enabling companies to confidently scale critical technologies locally.
A central focus of the project is the expansion of Spectra® and Spectra Shield® technologies, which are based on ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers. These fibers are up to 15 times stronger than steel by weight and approximately 65% lighter than traditional aramid fabrics, making them ideal for next-generation lightweight armor and advanced soldier protection systems. The Colonial Heights site’s integrated research, development, and prototyping capabilities—covering fiber spinning, ballistic testing, and composite fabrication—allow rapid translation of innovation into deployable solutions.
The initiative aligns closely with U.S. military objectives to preserve and expand domestic manufacturing capacity for advanced ballistic materials amid intensifying global competition. Support for the project was provided by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership in collaboration with Chesterfield County through the Virginia Investment Performance Grant program, which offers consultative services and funding to assist with job creation, recruitment, and workforce training. Additional backing includes a $1.5 million grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund and a $2 million performance-based VIP grant approved by the Governor to encourage continued capital investment.
Lawrence Kast, Senior Vice President of Global Government Relations, reiterated the company’s confidence in Virginia, expressing appreciation for the collaborative support of state and local partners. He emphasized that such partnerships are critical to ensuring that essential defense materials continue to be produced domestically, supporting national security and long-term industrial resilience.
