LS Cable & System Ltd. is moving forward with a major U.S. expansion, unveiling plans for a $689 million manufacturing complex in Chesapeake, Virginia. The move represents the largest single capital investment in the Hampton Roads region’s history and will create more than 430 jobs, according to state and local officials who announced the project on December 12, 2025.
The new facility will be created through three affiliates from LS Cable and System and will enable the company to expand its presence within the United States beyond the subsea cable facility that LS GreenLink USA began constructing within Chesapeake at the start of the year. Although a separate project, it still represents an investment with large implications for energy and transportation supply chain networks.
Rare-earth magnets production
LS Cable & System will develop production lines for copper rods, magnet wires, and rare-earth magnets to meet growing demand in electric motors, advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, and national security. The company is still evaluating sites in the Chesapeake area.
The rare-earth magnet portion of the project further strengthens domestic supply chains and joins a growing list of U.S. initiatives, including the recently completed rare-earth magnet manufacturing facility in Sumter County, South Carolina, highlighting increased focus on high-tech and energy-critical components.
According to state officials, this adds more local procurement capabilities for components normally supplied from abroad and meets federal initiatives for local manufacturing strength. The state of Virginia will support the business with Commonwealth Opportunity Fund support, Virginia Investment Performance Grant, and worker training assistance from Virginia Talent Accelerator Program. The Port of Virginia also pledged support for local logistical needs.
The investment marks the continued commitment made by the company to Virginia as it broke ground on its LS GreenLink subsea cable-manufacturing and pier facility project in April 2025. LS Cable & System is thereby promoting Hampton Roads as an emerging energy sector-manufacturing center with the new facility.
LS Cable & System Chesapeake Expansion: Factsheet
Project Overview
LS C&S is undertaking the largest single capital investment in Hampton Roads history through three subsidiaries. This expansion builds on the previously announced LS GreenLink USA cable manufacturing facility that broke ground in April 2025.
Company: LS Cable & System Ltd.
Location: Chesapeake, Virginia
Total Investment: $689 million
Jobs Created: 430+ new positions
Manufacturing Capabilities
The new manufacturing complex will feature three key business lines:
Copper Rod Production
Utilizes copper recycling and smelting technologies
Magnet Wire Manufacturing
Supports automotive and industrial markets
Rare-Earth Magnet Production
Essential for electric motors and advanced weapons systems
Strategic Impact
Strengthens U.S. energy infrastructure
Enhances domestic supply chain resilience
Supports national security priorities
Advances U.S. energy independence
Reinforces Hampton Roads as a global energy leader
Government Support
State Incentives:
$7.3 million from Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund
$1.5 million performance-based grant from Virginia Investment Performance Grant
Eligible for Port of Virginia Economic and Infrastructure Development Zone Grant Program
Support through Virginia Talent Accelerator Program
Key Partners
Commonwealth of Virginia
City of Chesapeake
Hampton Roads Alliance
Port of Virginia
Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP)
