Halifax County is celebrating its biggest manufacturing announcement in decades — the arrival of Virginia’s first titanium demonstration facility.

After enduring the exodus of companies like Burlington Mills and Daystrom Furniture over the past two decades, Halifax County is celebrating its biggest manufacturing announcement in decades — the arrival of Virginia’s first titanium demonstration facility.

Last fall, Charlotte, North Carolina-based IperionX Ltd., a minerals company, announced an $82.1 million investment to establish the nation’s first 100% recycled titanium metal powder manufacturing facility in a 50,000- square-foot building in the Southern Virginia Technology Park in South Boston.

The three-year project will be developed over two phases. Phase one includes $12.5 million for building construction and production related machinery and tools, as well as hiring 41 full-time employees. That will be followed by a $69.6 million investment to expand the facility to 100,000 square feet and increase the workforce to 108 full-time workers in phase two. IperionX anticipates having the facility outfitted by the second quarter, with operations beginning in the fourth quarter.

The company plans to source 100% renewable energy to make 100% recycled titanium for use as an alloying component in advanced industries such as automotive, defense, aerospace, electric vehicles, and 3D printing. Halifax County was chosen for the titanium demonstration facility after an extensive nationwide search, he says.

IperionX needed a 50,000-square-foot existing building with a ceiling tall enough to accommodate overhead cranes. The company was looking for an area with strong infrastructure, a skilled workforce and renewable power. Cooperation from county and state officials also helped seal the deal.