WB USA LLC opens first US facility in Danville, Virginia
WB USA LLC, based in Danville, Virginia, has announced the official launch of its first US production facility in Danville. This marks a pivotal step in the company’s long-term commitment to serving the American market and supporting domestic manufacturing, including US defence and advanced Additive Manufacturing sectors.
The Danville operation represents a $6.6 million investment and will reportedly create thirty new high-quality jobs in the region. Notably, it serves as a springboard for further innovation and partnership in the North American market, particularly within the US Navy, Department of Defense, and Additive Manufacturing sectors.
Paul Houston, President of WB USA & Group Managing Director, shared, “This strategic expansion will enable us to further develop and localise key production lines to serve both commercial and Defense sectors across the United States.”
The decision to establish operations in Danville is the result of months of strategic planning and collaboration with Virginia’s economic development leadership. It is in close proximity to Fastech LLC, one of WB USA’s key customers, which is located in the Cyber Park campus. Additionally, there is a skilled workforce pipeline, supported by the US Navy’s Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) programme and The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, providing both access to skilled labour and the talent and infrastructure needed for cutting-edge materials and innovation. There is also a collaborative ecosystem involving the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP), Southern Virginia Regional Alliance, the Danville-Pittsylvania Regional Industrial Facility Authority (RIFA), and strong leadership at both the city and county levels.
Article: Inside Nikon’s metal AM strategy
Part 2: Scaling industrial production in Long Beach
| Read now |
The new facility will begin operations in an approximately 950 m2 space, with plans to scale to 4,650 m2 as it reaches full capacity, with the intention of localising key alloy wire production for US commercial and defence clients. It is also intended to expand the company’s support for Additive Manufacturing, Direct Energy Deposition (DED) technologies and closed-loop weld monitoring machines, as well as supporting and expanding its relationship with US partners by shortening supply chains, accelerating delivery, and boosting domestic production resilience.
Lee Vogler, Chair, Danville-Pittsylvania Regional Industrial Facility Authority, stated, “This project really shows what can happen when we all pull in the same direction… We’re building something special here, and this project is a big part of that momentum.”
Senator Tammy Mulchi added, “Southern Virginia continues to prove that we have the workforce, infrastructure, and leadership to attract top-tier manufacturing operations. WB Alloys’ decision to invest in Danville is a strong endorsement of our region’s growing reputation for advanced manufacturing and Defence-related innovation.”
Mayor Alonzo Jones commented, “This investment not only strengthens Virginia’s role in national Defence but also creates valuable, high-quality jobs for our residents. Danville is becoming a hub for innovation and opportunity.”
