Chesapeake Lands $1.5B Investment, 750 New Jobs Coming

Chesapeake, Virginia is about to become a manufacturing powerhouse, and the ripple effects will be felt across the entire Hampton Roads region.

Mayor Rick West delivered exciting news at his State of the City address Thursday: LS Cable & Systems is investing $1.5 billion in two manufacturing campuses that will create 750 jobs. It's the biggest economic development win in Hampton Roads history.

The Korean company broke ground on the first facility last April near the Jordan Bridge on the Elizabeth River. The $681 million cable manufacturing plant is on schedule to open by early 2028, despite running slightly over budget.

"The construction is going very well. We're on schedule," said Patrick Shim, managing director of LS Cable & Systems. The facility will produce cables for infrastructure projects across the country.

The second campus adds another $689 million for three separate operations in the Greenbrier area. The site will house copper recycling, magnet wire production for electric vehicles, and rare earth magnet manufacturing for military applications including guided missiles and advanced fighter jets.

West emphasized these aren't just any jobs. "One of the things that our region has been missing is attracting enough industry to bring well-paying jobs," he said during the address.

The Ripple Effect

What makes this story even brighter is how Chesapeake's win benefits everyone. Mayors from surrounding Hampton Roads cities attended the address, celebrating together instead of competing.

"If one fails, we all fail. If one succeeds, we all succeed," West explained. He's right: people in the region live, work, and play across city lines every day.

That collaborative spirit extends beyond jobs. The seven Hampton Roads cities are building a connected bike trail system that will eventually link to Richmond, creating recreational opportunities while improving regional connectivity.

USAA also recently announced it's bringing jobs to the area, adding momentum to the economic boom. West credits Hampton Roads' quality of life for attracting businesses: ocean access, strong schools, vibrant downtowns, and opportunities the rest of the country is just discovering.

Chesapeake isn't trying to beat its neighbors. The city is focused on serving its own citizens while contributing to regional success through good schools, public safety, and job opportunities.

Construction crews are already at work, and the future looks bright for a region that's becoming a manufacturing hub while maintaining the collaborative spirit that makes communities thrive.