Here are two jobs announcements that happened Tuesday.
Plastics recycler to set up in Pittsylvania County
A plastics recycling startup will invest $4.3 million and create 28 jobs in Pittsylvania County, the governor’s office announced Tuesday.
Green Recycle USA LLC will turn industrial plastic waste into raw material to be used in new products by manufacturers in a variety of industries, Gov. Glenn Youngkin said in a news release. The company aims to recycle 2,000 tons annually.
Green Recycle USA LLC will set up in an existing warehouse at 200 Learners Lane in Blairs.
“By transforming plastic waste into valuable resources, we’re not just recycling — we’re rethinking the future of sustainability in industry,” Green Recycle USA LLC founder & CEO Pramod Raghav said in the news release. “We hope to inspire and unite manufacturing units, businesses, and community leaders across the region to work together in building a truly circular economy, one that benefits not only today’s industries but also future generations.”
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance, a regional economic development organization, and Pittsylvania County to secure the project for Virginia. Green Recycle USA LLC considered two neighboring states before deciding on Pittsylvania County, according to the news release.
Youngkin approved a $150,000 state grant for the project, while the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission approved a $26,500 grant.
“In addition to creating jobs, the company will serve as a critical resource for area businesses pursuing zero waste goals, contributing to the economic vitality of Southern Virginia,” said Southern Virginia Regional Alliance Executive Director Linda Green.
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Salem manufacturer to expand in city
A Salem-based producer of fluids used in fabricating metal components will invest $9 million to expand in the city, creating 12 jobs, the governor’s office announced Tuesday.
QualiChem Inc.’s products include oils, coolants, rust preventatives and cleaners used in the aerospace, medical and automotive industries, among others. It currently employs 115 people.
QualiChem Inc. will move its administrative offices and laboratory operations into a newly acquired 48,550-square-foot building at 616 Idaho Street in Salem, according to a news release from Gov. Glenn Youngkin. The space has been vacant since 2016.
That will free up room at the company’s existing facility at 2003 Salem Industrial Drive to increase production of metalworking fluids, according to the release.
The company anticipates the project will be complete by the end of the year, QualiChem brand strategist Susie Corey said in an email.
QualiChem President Tim Davis said in the news release that the company’s new headquarters marks “the latest step in our multi-year investment plan to support our continued growth in North America and around the world.”
“The facility will include modern office space and a world-class laboratory designed to optimize daily collaboration, enhance innovation and attract top talent,” Davis said.
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the City of Salem and the Roanoke Regional Partnership, a regional economic development organization, on the project.
“QualiChem is another great example of the level of industrial diversity that is represented by the region’s manufacturing community,” John Hull, executive director of the Roanoke Regional Partnership, said in the release.
