LS GreenLink Starts Vertical Construction on Virginia’s Tallest Industrial Facility in Chesapeake
LS GreenLink USA, a subsidiary of LS Cable & System, has reached a major milestone in its U.S. expansion plans with the official start of vertical construction at its new manufacturing and pier complex in Chesapeake, Virginia. The company marked the occasion with a Phase 1 Construction Milestone Ceremony, signaling the transition from site preparation to the construction of one of the most ambitious energy infrastructure manufacturing facilities currently underway in the United States.
The project represents a transformative investment not only for the Hampton Roads region but also for the broader American energy sector. With a Phase 1 investment totaling approximately $681 million, the development is set to become one of the world’s most advanced manufacturing centers for high-voltage direct current (HVDC) submarine cables. These specialized cables are increasingly essential to strengthening electric grids, integrating renewable energy, and supporting long-distance transmission systems across modern power networks.
At the center of the project is a striking 660-foot Vertical Continuous Vulcanization (VCV) tower, which, once completed, will become the tallest structure in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The tower will serve as the core production component of the facility, enabling the manufacturing of next-generation submarine power cables through a highly specialized continuous insulation process. Alongside the tower, the project includes a massive 750,000-square-foot manufacturing plant—roughly the size of 13 football fields combined under one roof.
The Phase 1 development is expected to create more than 330 permanent full-time jobs, while also generating substantial economic activity during the multi-year construction process. In addition to supporting local employment, the project is expected to strengthen domestic supply chains for critical energy infrastructure and position Virginia as a growing hub for advanced energy manufacturing.
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger praised the development during the ceremony, describing the project as a symbol of confidence in Virginia’s business environment and industrial future. She emphasized that the VCV tower would not only become a defining architectural landmark but also serve as a visible statement to international corporations considering investment opportunities in the state.
Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade Carrie Chenery described the project as a defining moment in the state’s economic and energy evolution. She highlighted the collaborative efforts between Chesapeake officials, the Hampton Roads Alliance, and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership in attracting and supporting the investment. According to Chenery, the project demonstrates Virginia’s ability to compete globally for large-scale industrial and infrastructure developments.
Federal officials also pointed to the strategic significance of the facility. U.S. Senator Mark Warner noted that the project aligns with broader national efforts to modernize the country’s power grid and strengthen energy resilience. He said the facility would help expand domestic manufacturing capacity for advanced energy technologies while supporting long-term energy security goals.
Senator Tim Kaine similarly emphasized the project’s economic and industrial importance, highlighting the role federal clean-energy policies played in supporting investments like LS GreenLink’s Chesapeake facility. He described the development as an important step toward improving supply chain resilience and reinforcing Virginia’s leadership position in clean-energy innovation.
From the company’s perspective, the Chesapeake facility represents a long-term strategic investment in the North American energy market. Bon-Kyu Koo, President and CEO of LS Cable & System, said the project reflects the company’s broader commitment to supporting the global energy transition while expanding localized manufacturing capabilities in strategically important regions.
Company executives stressed that North America remains a critical growth market for the organization. Gisu Kim, Regional President of North America for LS Cable & System, said the project demonstrates the company’s confidence in the future of America’s energy infrastructure and its growing demand for advanced transmission technologies.
Patrick Y. Shim, Managing Director of LS GreenLink, described the start of vertical construction as a defining milestone for the company’s U.S. operations. He noted that the facility is expected to establish a new domestic supply chain for advanced power cables while positioning Chesapeake as a globally recognized center for next-generation energy infrastructure manufacturing.
Local leaders also celebrated the milestone as a transformational development for Chesapeake and the wider Hampton Roads region. Chesapeake Mayor Rick West called the project one of the most significant industrial investments in the city’s history, noting its potential to reshape the local economy and waterfront for decades to come.
Chesapeake City Manager Christopher Price emphasized the strong partnership between the city and LS GreenLink, describing the collaboration as an example of how innovation-driven companies and local governments can work together to create long-term economic opportunity.
Regional economic development organizations echoed those sentiments. Hampton Roads Alliance President and CEO Douglas L. Smith described the project as a transformative opportunity for the entire region, supporting high-quality jobs and reinforcing Hampton Roads’ position in advanced manufacturing and energy infrastructure.
Industry organizations also see the project as a major contributor to Virginia’s maritime and industrial economy. Virginia Maritime Association Executive Director David White said the facility is expected to drive additional maritime commerce and strengthen Virginia’s position as a major logistics and shipping center tied to advanced manufacturing.
Strategically located in Chesapeake, the facility is designed to meet the rapidly growing demand for HVDC submarine transmission systems across the United States. As renewable energy development expands and grid modernization accelerates, the need for advanced underwater cable systems capable of transmitting electricity over long distances continues to increase significantly.
Once operational, the facility will manufacture next-generation submarine cables used to strengthen electrical grids, connect offshore energy projects, and improve long-distance energy transmission capabilities. The development is expected to play an important role in supporting the nation’s evolving energy infrastructure needs over the coming decades.
Construction on Phase 1 officially began in April 2025. The project timeline currently calls for completion of the first phase by the fourth quarter of 2027, with full operations expected to begin during the first quarter of 2028.
Several major international firms are contributing to the project’s development. Hanmi Global Co., Ltd. is serving as construction manager, while Hyundai Engineering Co., Ltd. is acting as the general contractor. Architectural design responsibilities are being led by Heerim Architects & Planners Co., Ltd..
As construction progresses, the LS GreenLink manufacturing and pier complex is expected to become one of the most important energy manufacturing projects in the United States, combining advanced engineering, large-scale industrial development, and long-term economic investment into a single landmark project that could shape the future of energy infrastructure manufacturing in North America.
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