QualiChem invests $9M to expand metalworking fluid manufacturing facility in Virginia 

QualiChem invests $9M to expand metalworking fluid manufacturing facility in Virginia 

June 3, 2025
The company’s new headquarters will house administrative and laboratory operations to support continued growth and innovation. 

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.” 

Manufacturers investing in Virginia 

Delta Star Inc. invests $35M to expand power transformer manufacturing facility in Virginia 
The Lynchburg facility will support the growing global demand for energy solutions focused on reliability and sustainability. 

Hitachi Energy invests $22.5M to expand transformer manufacturing facilities in Virginia 
The expansion includes a new facility in Atkins and upgrades to the company’s existing operations in Bland to increase production capacity and modernize operations. 

RBW EV Cars invests $8M to build electric vehicle manufacturing facility in Virginia 
The new facility will house the company’s assembly, engineering, and EV systems development teams in Danville. 

Investing in American manufacturing in 2025 

This map shows where manufacturers are choosing to invest their resources, whether they are building new production facilities or expanding existing plants. 

About the Author

Alexis Gajewski | Senior Content Strategist

Alexis Gajewski has over 15 years of experience in the maintenance, reliability, operations, and manufacturing space. She joined Plant Services in 2008 and works to bring readers the news, insight, and information they need to make the right decisions for their plants. Alexis also authors “The Lighter Side of Manufacturing,” a blog that highlights the fun and innovative advances in the industrial sector.