QualiChem invests $9M to expand metalworking fluid manufacturing facility in Virginia
QualiChem has announced plans to expand its operations with a $9 million investment in Salem, Virginia. The company, which produces metalworking fluids used in industries such as aerospace, medical, and automotive, will create 12 new jobs as part of the expansion.
QualiChem will acquire a 48,550-square-foot facility at 616 Idaho Street to house its administrative offices and laboratory operations. This relocation will free up space at the company’s existing facility on Salem Industrial Drive to increase production of metalworking fluids. The expansion supports growing demand and reflects the company’s commitment to enhancing innovation and attracting top talent.
The new headquarters will include office space and a laboratory designed to improve daily collaboration. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the City of Salem, and the Roanoke Regional Partnership collaborated to support the project. QualiChem will receive assistance from the Virginia Jobs Investment Program, which provides consultative services and funding to aid companies in recruitment and training efforts.
What people are saying
In a recent quote, Tim Davis, President, QualiChem, said, “Our new headquarters is the latest step in our multi-year investment plan to support our continued growth in North America and around the world. The facility will include modern office space and a world-class laboratory designed to optimize daily collaboration, enhance innovation and attract top talent. This move represents our commitment to providing the highest level of performance for our customers.”
Glenn Youngkin, Governor, Commonwealth of Virginia, added, “QualiChem’s decision to expand right here in Salem speaks volumes about the Commonwealth’s competitive business climate, highly skilled workforce and strong local partnerships. We’re proud to support a company that continues to grow and thrive here in Virginia.”
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About the Author
Alexis GajewskiAlexis Gajewski
Senior Content Strategist
Alexis Gajewski is a manufacturing writer and editor with nearly 20 years of experience covering the people, practices, and technologies that keep industrial facilities running. For more than a decade, she served as Senior Content Strategist for Plant Services, creating content for plant managers, engineers, and maintenance professionals on a variety of industrial topics.
During her tenure, Alexis worked to develop the brand’s digital strategy and helped launch and produce Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast. She also created The Lighter Side of Manufacturing, a weekly blog that explored the inventive and sometimes humorous side of the industry.
Alexis co-founded Influential Women in Manufacturing, a recognition program that honored 49 women in its first two years, earned an industry award for Best Product Launch, and received a proclamation from Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and a commendation from U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth.
She also led newsroom operations and development at a large media company where she set editorial standards, developed training curriculum, and helped support AI adoption for more than 150 editors across 80+ brands spanning manufacturing, industrial processing, automation, and more.
Additionally, Alexis works as a freelance writer and editor, and her areas of interest include continuous improvement, the skilled workforce, and the role of emerging technology on the plant floor.
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