Source: Polymer Solutions.
Employees at Polymer Solutions independent testing lab.
Polymer Solutions Incorporated, an independent testing lab and strategic resource for polymer testing, materials analysis, and metals testing, has announced it will invest $2.9 million to expand its Montgomery County operations. The company – currently located in the Blacksburg Industrial Park – will construct a new 20,000-square-foot headquarters and laboratory facility in Falling Branch Corporate Park in Christiansburg. Polymer Solutions anticipates creating at least five new jobs through the expansion.
“The expansion of Polymer Solutions Incorporated is a great testament to the success the company has experienced in Montgomery County since its founding more than 26 years ago,” said Governor Bob McDonnell. “Virginia has seen a growing cluster of polymer technology and manufacturing companies, and further industry collaboration and research is vital to the continued growth of this important sector. We thank Polymer Solutions for its investment in the Commonwealth and look forward to its developments in the years ahead.”
Polymer Solutions specializes in helping companies in the medical device, pharmaceutical, packaging, aerospace, defense, and manufacturing industries solve and prevent complex problems through chemical analysis, physical testing and consultation. The company was founded in 1987 by Jim Rancourt, Ph.D. while finishing his doctorate in polymer chemistry at Virginia Tech. Over the past 26 years, Polymer Solutions has amassed an international client base and grown to employ 31 people in Montgomery County. Earlier this year, Virginia Business ranked Polymer Solutions as one of the best places to work in Virginia, within the small business category. This recognition was attributed to its “work hard, play hard” corporate culture, amongst other factors.
“Polymer Solutions serves a global client base with our talented scientists and extensive laboratory instrumentation.” said Jim Rancourt, Founder and CEO of Polymer Solutions. With the construction of a state-of-the-art laboratory facility we will be well positioned to add staff, continue to expand our testing capabilities, and ultimately better meet the needs of our clients.”
Through its business retention and expansion program, the Montgomery County Economic Development Department worked with the Town of Christiansburg and the MBC Development Corporation to assist Polymer Solutions with its expansion. The company chose to expand in Falling Branch Corporate Park due to its scenic landscape, robust infrastructure, access to Interstate 81 and growing technology community.
“Polymer Solutions’ investment in a new state-of-the-art facility in Falling Branch Corporate Park is the culmination of over 26 years of hard work and dedication,” said Jim Politis, Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors. “Their growth and success in the polymers, plastics and composites testing field is a true testament to the innovative, entrepreneurial culture that is found here in Montgomery County.”
“After such a successful tenure in Blacksburg, we are pleased that Falling Branch Corporate Park was able to offer the space that Polymer Solutions needs to continue to grow and thrive,” said Richard Ballengee, Mayor, Town of Christiansburg. This addition to the Corporate Park is great for the town and local economy and we welcome them to Christiansburg.”