Editor’s Note: This article was paid for and written by Virginia Economic Development Partnership and approved by Area Development.
In April, LS GreenLink USA, Inc., broke ground on its high-voltage direct current submarine cable manufacturing facility on a brownfield site in the city of Chesapeake. The facility, conveniently located near the Port of Virginia’s Norfolk Harbor and the Atlantic Ocean, is expected to begin operations in 2028 and will create 330 full-time jobs.
The new facility will serve the global offshore wind industry and, as Gov. Glenn Youngkin noted, “showcase the Commonwealth as a leader in offshore wind industry manufacturing.” LS selected Chesapeake over potential sites in 15 states, in large part due to its skilled workforce — notably its strong veteran population.
The LS GreenLink project was one of three Virginia wins recognized with a Gold Shovel Award from Area Development in 2025, alongside Micron Technology Inc.’s $2.2 billion expansion in Manassas and Microporous LLC’s $1.4 billion facility in Pittsylvania County.
The use of a brownfield site highlights Virginia’s adaptability in delivering shovel-ready sites. A key contributor is the Virginia Business Ready Sites Program (VBRSP) — a major reason why Virginia ranked as America’s Top State for Business in CNBC’s 2024 analysis. The program pre-certifies sites by partnering with localities, utilities, and state agencies to streamline permitting and set the stage for smooth construction.
The VBRSP identifies and prepares potential industrial sites of at least 100 acres — or 50 acres in western, mountainous regions — and has awarded more than $200 million in grants over the past two years. These funds help develop infrastructure and secure approvals to enable speed to market, a top priority for companies establishing new facilities.
Site readiness was a decisive factor in major projects such as the LEGO Group’s sustainably designed manufacturing plant, now under construction in Chesterfield County’s Meadowville Technology Park. To date, 44 sites have received development grants, and more than 10,000 jobs have been announced on sites that benefited from the VBRSP. The 2024 grants alone supported 22 sites representing more than 10,000 acres of developable land.
The VBRSP is just one way Virginia works to eliminate risk for corporate investors. In early 2024, the General Assembly passed legislation establishing the Virginia Business Ready Permitting Program, designed to fast-track approvals for transformational economic development projects and eliminate major delays.
Another advantage for employers is the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program, which supported both the LS GreenLink and LEGO Group projects. Named the top workforce program in the U.S. by Business Facilities in 2024, the Talent Accelerator combines custom recruitment marketing, direct candidate outreach, and training support. Since launching in 2020, the program has helped secure nearly 13,000 jobs.
Virginia’s commitment to reducing risk and accelerating project success transcends politics. Whether led by Democrats or Republicans, the Commonwealth has consistently delivered a best-in-class business climate. Its proactive approach to site readiness, permitting, and workforce development makes it easier for companies to move quickly — and with confidence.
