Expected to Be the Largest Capital Investment in the History of the Hampton Roads Region
LS Cable & System Ltd., a global leader in power and communication cable and system solutions, today announced plans for a significant additional investment in Chesapeake, Virginia. Undertaken through three LS C&S subsidiaries, the project is expected to be the single largest capital investment in the history of the Hampton Roads region.
This investment builds on the previously announced first phase of LS GreenLink’s state-of-the-art cable manufacturing and pier facility project, which broke ground in April 2025. While separate from the LS GreenLink project, the new initiative expands the company’s overall presence in the United States and reinforces LS C&S’s long-term commitment to the Commonwealth of Virginia, the City of Chesapeake, and the Hampton Roads region. Together, these efforts strengthen U.S. energy infrastructure, enhance supply chain resilience, and support national security priorities. LS C&S is evaluating several Chesapeake-area locations for the new manufacturing complex, which will feature advanced manufacturing capabilities across three key business lines:
- Copper rod production utilizing copper recycling and smelting,
- Magnet wire manufacturing to support automotive and industrial markets, and
- Rare-earth magnet production, essential for electric motors and advanced weapons systems.
Reflecting on the company’s expanding U.S. footprint, Bon-Kyu Koo, President & CEO of LS Cable & System, Ltd., said, “This investment represents an exciting step in our continuing growth in the United States. We’re not only expanding our manufacturing capabilities, we’re strengthening the U.S. domestic supply chains and supporting America’s leadership in energy and technology. By continuing the partnerships with the Commonwealth of Virginia, the City of Chesapeake, and the Hampton Roads region, we’re creating opportunities for the local community while helping to ensure secure, reliable infrastructure that supports national security and the nation’s energy future.”
Speaking to the connection between LS GreenLink and the new project, Gisu Kim, Regional President of North America at LS Cable & System, Ltd., said, “The LS GreenLink project has been a major commitment for LS C&S, and this new investment builds directly on that foundation. It strengthens domestic production of critical components such as copper rod, magnet wire, and rare-earth magnets – vital to reinforcing supply chain resilience and advancing U.S. energy independence.”
Highlighting the importance of long-term collaboration, Patrick Y. Shim, Managing Director of LS Cable & System, Ltd., added, “This investment represents much more than expanding our manufacturing footprint in Chesapeake. We are deepening our partnership with the Commonwealth of Virginia, the City of Chesapeake, and the Hampton Roads region as we build capabilities that strengthen U.S. energy leadership, secure critical supply chains, and support industries essential to the nation’s security and future.”
Ambassador Kyung-wha Kang, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the United States, said, “Korean companies are now the largest greenfield investors in the United States, creating high-quality jobs and strengthening resilient supply chains across the country. Today’s announcement reflects that momentum and underscores the enduring Korea-U.S. alliance as we work together to advance next-generation manufacturing. It is both timely and significant that this project will support rare-earth magnet production in Chesapeake – critical components for industries ranging from automotive to advanced IT. By expanding domestic capacity in these strategic materials, LS Cable & System is making a meaningful contribution to America’s competitiveness and long-term supply chain security.”
U.S. Senator Mark R. Warner said, “Today’s announcement is a big win for Chesapeake and for the entire Hampton Roads region. LS Cable & System’s decision to make the largest capital investment in the region’s history is a testament to the world-class workforce and the strategic assets that make Virginia such an attractive place to do business. This project will strengthen critical domestic supply chains, support our clean energy and national security needs, and create good-paying jobs right here in the Commonwealth. I’m proud to continue working with LS C&S and our federal, state, and local partners to deliver investments that keep Virginia competitive and our nation secure.”
“This major investment in Chesapeake is a win for Virginia and for America’s supply chain security. By bringing critical manufacturing – from magnet wire to copper rod – back home, LS Cable & System is helping create good jobs and strengthen the next-generation infrastructure our economy depends on. This second major LS investment in Chesapeake – after the subsea cable manufacturing facility made possible in part by incentives included in the Inflation Reduction Act – shows that Virginia is a go-to place for high-tech manufacturing,” said U.S. Senator Tim Kaine.
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