LS GreenLink Acquires 96.6-Acre Site in Chesapeake for Advanced Manufacturing Hub
LS GreenLink USA, Inc. (“LS GreenLink”), a subsidiary of LS Cable & System Ltd. (“LS C&S”), has successfully completed the acquisition of a 96.6-acre site in Chesapeake, Virginia. The agreement, which was finalized on March 25, 2025, follows the property’s initial contract in November 2023. The land, purchased from International Bio-Energy Virginia Real Estate, LLC, is an important step in LS GreenLink’s efforts to establish the largest submarine power cable manufacturing facility in the United States.
This acquisition is not just a real estate investment but also a statement of LS GreenLink’s long-term vision to develop a cutting-edge manufacturing hub. The facility in Chesapeake is poised to become a critical site for the production of high-voltage direct current (HVDC) submarine power cables, which are integral to connecting offshore wind farms with onshore power grids. These cables are essential for enhancing the capacity and resilience of national power transmission infrastructure, which is becoming increasingly vital as the country shifts toward more renewable energy sources.
The facility is expected to begin production by the first quarter of 2028, with an initial phase of development estimated to cost over $681 million. When fully operational, the site will feature a 750,000-square-foot manufacturing facility and a 660-foot Vertical Continuous Vulcanization (VCV) tower, which will likely be the tallest structure in Virginia. The VCV tower is a critical part of the cable manufacturing process, where cables are coated and strengthened to ensure their durability and performance under the challenging conditions of offshore environments.
Patrick Y. Shim, Managing Director of LS GreenLink, expressed excitement about the significance of the acquisition, stating, “The acquisition of this site marks a pivotal milestone in the development of our new facility, which will play a key role in advancing global energy infrastructure. This facility will be critical in the production of essential power cables for a range of applications worldwide.”
The project, which is expected to break ground in April 2025, will be completed in phases. The first phase is set to be completed by the third quarter of 2027, and the full facility is slated to begin operations in early 2028. The first phase will focus on the manufacturing and installation of the HVDC submarine power cables, and future development will expand the facility’s capabilities to meet growing demand.
This manufacturing facility will not only serve a crucial role in the production of submarine power cables but also serve as a strategic hub for advancing offshore wind energy, a key sector in the global push toward renewable energy. The submarine cables produced at the Chesapeake site will play a critical role in enhancing the efficiency and reliability of energy transmission across long distances, especially in offshore wind projects, which are an essential part of the clean energy transition in the United States.
The development of this facility in Chesapeake, Virginia, represents a significant investment in both the future of the energy industry and the local economy. The first phase of construction will require substantial capital expenditure, and once operational, the facility is expected to provide a significant number of jobs to the local community, contributing to the regional economy and enhancing the area’s position in the rapidly expanding renewable energy sector.
The project is not only important for LS GreenLink and LS C&S but also for the broader renewable energy industry. By providing the necessary infrastructure for the production of submarine power cables, LS GreenLink is directly contributing to the United States’ goal of scaling up offshore wind capacity and renewable energy transmission. This development is aligned with the growing push for infrastructure that supports the transition to green energy, which includes expanding the infrastructure needed for offshore wind energy and improving grid resilience.
International Bio-Energy Virginia Real Estate, LLC, the seller of the property, was advised by Woods Rogers Vandeventer Black PLC and Jones Lang Lasalle Inc. LS C&S and LS GreenLink were advised by K&L Gates LLP on the acquisition, with additional support from Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP, and Williams Mullen. The development team also benefited from guidance by Evergreen Location Strategies LLC, S.L. Nusbaum Realty Co., and Belcon Advisors.
About LS Cable & System Ltd.: Founded in 1962, LS Cable & System Ltd. (“LS C&S”) is a global leader in the manufacturing of power and communication cables and systems. With a workforce of over 6,500 employees and 35 subsidiaries operating in 17 countries, LS C&S has been at the forefront of innovation in the energy transmission and distribution industry. The company’s commitment to research and development has positioned it as a key player in the evolution of global energy infrastructure. For more information, visit www.lscns.com.
The Chesapeake facility represents a forward-looking strategy that will play a key role in the future of energy transmission in the United States and around the world. By building this state-of-the-art manufacturing hub, LS GreenLink is positioning itself as a major player in the global energy transition, reinforcing its leadership in providing the infrastructure necessary to support offshore wind farms and other renewable energy projects. This acquisition marks the beginning of a new chapter for LS GreenLink as it works to create a sustainable, resilient energy network for the future.
