The City of Danville, in partnership with Pittsylvania County, marked a major milestone for the region on Friday, May 22, celebrating the start of construction on the Microporous lithium-ion battery separator manufacturing facility. The ceremony follows the company’s $1.6 billion investment and is expected to create more than 1,800 new jobs in Southside Virginia. Annual wages average $61,000 a year.
Local stakeholders, community leaders, and elected officials gathered at the Institute for Advanced Learning & Research in Danville to commemorate the occasion, including Delegate Madison Whittle, Delegate Eric Phillips, Danville City Council, and the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors. Special remarks were delivered by John Reeves, CEO of Microporous, Danville Pittsylvania Regional Industrial Facility Authority (RIFA) Chairman Vic Ingram, and Sherman Saunders, RIFA vice chairman.
Construction is expected to take 14 months, with completion targeted for the third quarter of 2027.
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Reeves said, “We’re honored to celebrate this milestone alongside the many partners who helped make this project possible. This investment reflects our confidence in Southern Virginia’s workforce, infrastructure, and future. We look forward to building lasting relationships here as we create new opportunities for families, support regional economic growth, and advance the technologies that will power the future.”
Danville Pittsylvania RIFA, which owns and oversees development of the megasite, celebrated the project as a transformative moment for the region.
RIFA Chairman Vic Ingram noted, “Not only is this a major milestone for the Southern Virginia Mega Park at Berry Hill but this is a historic day for the largest industrial park on the East Coast. When I spoke at the initial announcement two years ago, I patiently longed for this day to become reality. Today, as the first shovel of dirt is moved, we all can celebrate this day as we officially welcome Microporous as our first tenant and we look forward to a long and prosperous relationship for years to come. Welcome to Pittsylvania County.”
“Today is about opportunity for our people, for our families, and for the next generation growing up right here in this region,” remarked Saunders. “I am proud of what we have accomplished together, and I am even more excited about where we are headed.”
Microporous becomes the first tenant at the Southern Virginia Megasite at Berry Hill, the largest megasite in Virginia and the southeastern United States, marking a significant step forward in positioning the region as a hub for advanced manufacturing and energy-sector innovation. The company has already earned national recognition for its impact on Southern Virginia, including honors from the Trade & Industry Development CiCi Award, designation as a Top Project by Area Development Magazine, and inclusion on Site Selection Magazine’s Top Deal in North America list.
About the Danville Office of Economic Development & Tourism
The Danville Office of Economic Development & Tourism drives the city’s growth by recruiting and retaining businesses, supporting small business development, and fostering a dynamic environment for investment. The office also promotes Danville as a vibrant destination, showcasing the region’s unique attractions, events, and visitor experiences. The DOEDT works to strengthen the local economy and enhance quality of life for residents, businesses, and visitors alike. Learn more at www.discoverdanville.com.
