QualiChem to invest $9M in Salem expansion

Salem-based metalworking fluids manufacturer QualiChem will invest $9 million to expand its operations with a new 48,550-square-foot facility and create 12 jobs, according to a Tuesday announcement.

The company plans to move its administrative offices and laboratory operations from its existing facility at 2003 Salem Industrial Drive into a newly acquired office building at 616 Idaho St. in Salem. The move will free up space at the Salem Industrial Drive site to increase production of metalworking fluids.

“The facility will include modern office space and a world-class laboratory designed to optimize daily collaboration, enhance innovation and attract top talent,” QualiChem President Tim Davis said in a statement. “This move represents our commitment to providing the highest level of performance for our customers.”

QualiChem’s metalworking fluids are used for production and fabrication of metal components for aerospace, medical and automotive industries. The company also has a division for water treatment blending services.

QualiChem began as a private label water treatment blender in 1989 and in 2004 entered the metalworking fluid market. It first expanded in 2006 to keep up with its business growth and has expanded five more times since then, each time staying in Salem. Today, the company has customers in 30 countries.

“QualiChem’s decision to expand right here in Salem speaks volumes about the commonwealth’s competitive business climate, highly skilled workforce and strong local partnerships,” Gov. Glenn Youngkin said in a statement. “We’re proud to support a company that continues to grow and thrive here in Virginia.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the Salem government and the Roanoke Regional Partnership on the project.

QualiChem did not immediately returns requests for comment on the timeline of the expansion project.