Solstice Advanced Materials (Morris Plains, N.J., U.S.) a high-performance specialty materials company has announced plans to invest more than $220 million in multiple projects to expand production at its existing ballistic fiber manufacturing facility in Colonial Heights, Chesterfield County, Virginia, which is also expected to create 100 additional full-time jobs in the region by 2029.

The Colonial Heights facility has been a cornerstone of U.S. defense supply chains for more than two decades, producing Spectra fiber and composite materials used in helmets, vests, vehicle armor and naval applications, along with an array of industrial applications. Through its investment, Solstice will enhance its facility with new fiber spinning, composite coating and analytical capabilities. Construction and equipment installation are expected to occur between 2025 and 2029, with operational benefits expected to ramp through the projected completion date of Sept. 30, 2030.

The expansion will increase capacity for Spectra and Spectra Shield technologies, featuring ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers that are up to 15 times stronger than steel and 65% lighter than aramid fabrics. The Colonial Heights facility’s state-of-the-art R&D and prototyping capabilities — spanning fiber spinning, ballistic testing and composite fabrication — enable Solstice to accelerate innovation cycles and deliver mission-critical advancements such as next-generation lightweight armor systems and advanced soldier protection solutions.

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP), in coordination with Chesterfield County, supported the project through the Virginia Investment Performance (VIP) Grant, which provides consultative services and funding to companies creating new jobs in order to support employee recruitment and training activities.

Additionally, Governor Glenn Youngkin approved a $1.5 million grant from the Commonwealth's Opportunity Fund and a $2 million performance-based Virginia Investment Performance (VIP) Grant to assist Chesterfield County with the project and encourage continued capital investment by existing Virginia companies.