$49M recycled pulp facility coming to Chesapeake

Oregon-based Total Fiber Recovery LLC will invest $49 million to establish its first pulp recycling facility in Chesapeake, creating 68 jobs, Gov. Ralph Northam announced Friday. 

The Chesapeake facility is set to begin operations in 2021 and annually process 300,000 tons of mixed paper and recycled fiber from materials recovery facilities in the region. The pulp product created by the Chesapeake TFR facility will be transported to domestic and international paper plants to be repurposed, according to the governor’s news release. Maryland and South Carolina were also competing for the project.

“Total Fiber Recovery’s innovative operation will produce in-demand recycled fiber that reduces our environmental footprint and positions Chesapeake as a major participant in this important sector,” Northam said in a statement. “This project helps demonstrate that clean air, clean water, and a strong economy do not have to be mutually exclusive.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the city of Chesapeake’s economic development department and the Port of Virginia to secure the project. Northam approved a $200,000 grant from the commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund for the project. 

TFR will also be eligible to receive benefits from The Port of Virginia Economic and Infrastructure Development Zone Grant Program, which incentivizes companies to locate maritime-related employment centers or expand existing centers. The Virginia Jobs Investment Program will help with employee training at no cost to the company.

“TFR is the latest example of Virginia’s expanding manufacturing base that is taking advantage of the global reach The Port of Virginia provides,” John F. Reinhart, CEO and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority, said in a statement. “The manufacturing business sector is growing, and we are working closely with its members to ensure they have efficient access to world markets.