Polykon Manufacturing is a newly formed joint Venture between Seppic and Schulke (both subsidiaries of Air Liquide). And, the new facility will manufacture ingredients for the cosmetics industry as well as for the pharmaceutical industry.
The county economic development authority is fast-tracking the permitting process to help Polykon meet its ambitious timeframe, Toney Hall the authority’s deputy director tells the press.
Local business
Yesterday Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe, who was directly involved in negotiations, announced the deal saying, “It was a pleasure to meet with Seppic officials during my European marketing mission to convince the company that Henrico County, Virginia is the right location for its first North American manufacturing operation.”
That a sophisticated business like Polykon is coming to the region matters. Jobs at the manufacturing facility will go to skilled workers, engineers and management professionals. Hall tells the press that the average employee compensation will be close to $50,000.
“Advanced manufacturing companies…play a key role in our efforts to grow, diversify and build a new Virginia economy,” adds McAuliffe. “We are proud that Polykon Manufacturing LLC joins its parent company, Air Liquide, on our corporate roster.”
Dollars and dimensions
Over $60m will go into the project. But first, Polykon will buy the land: 22 acres in White Oak Technology Park, according to reports.
Ground breaking will take place in June. The finished facility will measure 80,000 square feet, and Polykon will begin manufacturing at the site in early 2018.
The state awarded Polykon an incentive grant for the new plant. “McAuliffe approved a $700,000 performance-based grant from the Virginia Investment Partnership program,” reports the Richmond Times-Dispatch. And local officials are swift to point out that the manufacturing plant will mean 50 new jobs for the community.
Profitable region
The Virginia state governor and his colleagues are working to position the region as a destination for skilled industry.
“Polykon Manufacturing LLC will be importing and exporting its products and materials for manufacturing,” said John F. Reinhart, CEO and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority, “and it was clear that access to an expanding gateway to the American and international markets was key in its decision to come to Virginia.”
Locating the “new Polykon Manufacturing facility here in Henrico [County]…speaks volumes to the level of cooperation and dedication among local and state agencies to strengthening Virginia’s economy,” says Lamont Bagby, a member of the Virginia House of Delegates, in the government’s press release.
Understandably then, Polykon is not the lone cosmetics and personal care industry player moving into the state. Specialty chemical company Evonik opened an interdepartmental incubator in Richmond, Virginia, this past summer, where R&D, marketing, IT, customer service, and HR collaborate.
This article was updated on 15-Feb-16 to clarify that the plant will manufacture ingredients rather finished cosmetics.