Polymer Solutions Plans Expansion in Virginia

Blacksburg, Va.-based Polymer Solutions Inc., an independent testing lab for polymer testing, materials analysis, and metals testing, is planning to invest $2.9 million to expand its operations. The company, which currently is located in the Blacksburg Industrial Park, will construct a new 20,000-square-foot headquarters and laboratory facility in Falling Branch Corporate Park in nearby Christiansburg. Both towns are located in Montgomery County.

The company 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 problems through chemical analysis, physical testing and consultation. The company was founded in 1987 by Jim Rancourt, Ph.D., while he finished his doctorate in polymer chemistry at Virginia Tech. During 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 magazine ranked Polymer Solutions as one of the best places to work in Virginia, within the small business category.

“Polymer Solutions serves a global client base with our talented scientists and extensive laboratory instrumentation,” said Rancourt, who serves as CEO. “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, according to Polymer Solutions.