Baking soda manufacturer to expand in Chesterfield

A New Jersey-based baking soda manufacturer is expanding its Chesterfield County operations — and it won’t require vinegar. 

Church & Dwight Company Inc. will invest $27 million to expand its Chesterfield County facility at 1851 Touchstone Drive to accommodate a new manufacturing line for a scent-boosting laundry detergent. The effort will create 53 jobs, Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced Monday.  The company produces sodium bicarbonate, commonly known as baking soda, for 14 brands, including Arm & Hammer, Trojan, OxiClean, Spinbrush, First Response, Nair and Orajel. 

“We decided to reinvest in Chesterfield County because of the skilled and stable workforce within our existing manufacturing plant and access to the regional manufacturing workforce, as well as the collaborative relationship we’ve enjoyed with the state and local governments, community college and manufacturing support organizations,” Andrew Glowatsky, Church & Dwight’s director of supply chain capabilities, said in a statement. 

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Chesterfield to secure the project and Youngkin approved a $300,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist the county. Dwight & Church is eligible to receive benefits from the Port of Virginia’s Economic and Infrastructure Development Zone Grant Program. It will also receive support from the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program through VEDP. 

“Church & Dwight’s continued investment in Chesterfield County sends a clear message that manufacturers know they have a strong partner in the Commonwealth of Virginia,” Youngkin said in a statement. “Proximity to major interstates and population centers positions the company to easily deliver its iconic household products to target markets, and the region’s skilled manufacturing workforce supports Church & Dwight’s steady growth. We look forward to building on our strong partnership in the years to come.”

In the first quarter, Church & Dwight reported $1.43 billion in revenue, a 10.2% increase in net sales.