Pittsylvania site is top contender for lithium-ion battery plant

The Southern Virginia Megasite at Berry Hill in Pittsylvania County is the top contender for a lithium-ion battery manufacturing project that could top $1 billion in investments and about 1,500 jobs, according to its CEO.

After a $100 million grant for the project was announced by the U.S. Department of Energy Nov. 27, 2023, Tennessee-based Microporous confirmed that it has been working on a deal to bring the operation to Virginia. The project would involve at least a $100 million investment and 282 jobs, the energy department said in its announcement. Microporous was the largest recipient among the department’s seven awards, which totaled $275 million.

“I think it’s a win for my company. I think it’s a win for Virginia and the potential employees there,” Microporous CEO John Reeves told Virginia Business, adding that the project is also a “huge winner for the United States as well.”

For eight decades, Microporous has produced separators for lead-acid batteries, the oldest rechargeable battery technology used for power grid systems and ignition power for automobiles. It also has a facility in Austria. The company’s headquarters are near Bristol in Sullivan County, Tennessee.

Microporous’ newest venture involves manufacturing separators for lithium-ion batteries, which are used to power electric vehicles and other devices.

While North Carolina and Tennessee have also been contenders for the deal, Reeves says his company is “leaning towards Virginia.”

Reeves says Microporous’ long-term plans for Berry Hill, which it has been eyeing for about a year, would include two facilities comprising about 120 acres. He cites the site’s “world-class” rail service, as well as regional workforce training efforts. “It’s just a great fit all the way around.”

Build-out could take up to eight years if the company must fund the rest of the project itself or four to five years if the company receives additional government grants, Reeves says.

Reeves adds he could envision a scenario with one of the two buildings landing in North Carolina and another in Danville; he also says he could see a second plant in North Carolina in the future.

As of late November 2023, Reeves was unsure of a timeline for any official announcement about the project.

Matthew Rowe, Pittsylvania County’s economic development director, declined to comment on Microporous’ plans and Corrie Bobe, Danville’s economic development and tourism director, did not respond to queries from Virginia Business.

A longer version of this story ran on VirginiaBusiness.com on Nov. 28, 2023.