Major Industrial Development Advances Toward Construction Start

Danville, Virginia - After more than a year of intensive planning and design, Crawford Hoying, in partnership with Microporous, Allied, Alston Construction and Ware Malcomb, is excited to announce that the planned major lithium-ion battery separator manufacturing facility for Microporous LLC in the Southern Virginia Megasite is proceeding forward to begin construction. This marks a significant milestone in the project’s development timeline.

During the past 12 months, architecture and engineering teams have completed comprehensive design work spanning the full site, building shell, manufacturing operations and office space. The project is now entering the permitting phase, with construction expected to mobilize in May 2026.

“Getting to mobilization on a project like this requires more than design completion, it requires buy-in and problem solving across the entire team,” said John Mangini, Project Director at Alston Construction. “With the complexity of advanced manufacturing systems and clean room environments, balancing budget while delivering the client’s goals was a constant focus.

Through Crawford Hoying’s leadership, the team utilized a Target Value Design approach with frequent working sessions and trade partner input to develop practical, cost-aligned solutions. That effort is what allowed us to move confidently into construction.”

Initial site activity will begin with large-scale earthwork, including rock blasting and mass grading, setting the stage for vertical construction. Foundation work is slated for late spring into early summer, followed by installation of concrete flooring, structural steel and exterior wall panels later in 2026.

"A project of this complexity demands full alignment from the entire team, spanning capital to construction," said Ross Landford, Managing Partner & Co-Founder, Allied Capital & Development. “Allied is proud to support this incredible project through both our capital investment and active involvement in the project management and development, working in close partnership with Crawford Hoying to deliver solutions that support Microporous’ vision.”

In parallel, coordination with multiple utility providers is actively underway, with full infrastructure completion anticipated in early 2027.

“From the beginning, we leaned into a Target Value Design process to keep cost, design and constructability aligned,” said Tim Westley, Senior Vice President of Industrial Development at Crawford Hoying. “That approach, combined with strong collaboration across the entire team, allowed us to drive meaningful efficiencies without compromising the overall vision for the project.”

This project represents a significant investment in advanced manufacturing and is poised to bring new economic activity and job opportunities to the region as it progresses into its next phase.

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About Microporous

Microporous is a global leader in the manufacturing of battery separators. Serving industries include automotive, industrial, and energy storage. The company is committed to advancing battery technology through high-performance, reliable separator solutions.  Microporous maintains production facilities in Piney Flats, TN, Feistritz, Austria, and soon in Danville, VA.

About Allied Capital and Development

Allied Capital and Development combines capital strategy, construction expertise, and a long-term, impact-driven approach to real estate. With over 45 years of combined leadership experience, more than $2 billion in construction projects overseen, and partnerships with 35+ Fortune 100 companies, Allied delivers tailored solutions across ground-up development, redevelopment, and project execution for office, industrial, and mixed-use properties. www.alliedre.com

About Alston

Alston Construction, a privately held company who offers general contracting, construction management and design-build services in industrial, commercial, healthcare, education, retail, cold storage, mission critical and government projects. Alston currently has more than 20 locations in the continental United States, giving our team a competitive edge in fostering client, developer and subcontractor relationships. Alston’s overall goal is to provide quality, cost-efficient projects that leave a positive experience for our clients. To learn more visit – www.alstonco.com.