LS Greenlink has announced it will build a new $681m cable production facility in Chesapeake, Virginia, on the east cost of the US.
The company is the US subsidiary of South Korean manufacturing company LS Cable & System and the new plant represents the state’s first offshore wind manufacturing facility.
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin made the announcement to hail this monumental step forward for the state’s clean energy industry, with the facility expected to generate 330 permanent full-time jobs at the Deep Water Terminal Site in Chesapeake.
“LS GreenLink’s investment in Virginia will showcase the Commonwealth as a leader in offshore wind industry manufacturing,” said Governor Youngkin.
“LS GreenLink has recognised that Virginia has the skilled talent, world-class logistics location, and business environment that will allow it to serve its growing global customers for submarine power cables.”
The 750,000 square foot factory will produce next generation high-voltage direct current cables currently in high-demand globally.
“This state-of-the-art facility represents our commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology and engineering,” said President and chief executive of LS Cable & System Bon-Kyu Koo.
“This facility will not only enhance our capability to meet the growing global demands for submarine power cables, but will also position us at the forefront of the industry.”
LS GreenLink managing director Patrick Y Shim said: “We look forward to being an active member of the business community in Virginia.
“We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to our partners at the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Chesapeake Economic Development Authority, and the Hampton Roads Alliance.”
Oceantic Network founder and chief executive Liz Burdock added: “Another day, another offshore wind announcement.
She added: “Hundreds of millions of dollars and hundreds of long-term jobs are being made possible by the strength of the US offshore wind industry’s momentum and potential.
“This year we’ve already seen $2.2bn in new manufacturing supply chain investments announced to produce steel, foundations, towers and cables that will supply the US industry for years and create good-paying jobs in places like Hampton, Houston, and the Ohio River valley.
“With the continued strong support from public officials, like Governor Youngkin, and industry leaders like Dominion Energy and LS Greenlink, we are seeing the Hampton Roads area transform into a hub of the U.S. offshore wind industry.”