First-of-Its-Kind U.S. Tin Production Facility Announced for Virginia

Virginia announced a first-of-its-kind American tin production and processing facility, advancing domestic capacity for a material designated as critical by the U.S. government. Nathan Trotter, a long-established supplier and recycler of tin products, will invest approximately $65 million to construct “Tin Ridge,” a 115,000-square-foot facility on a 44-acre site in Henry County. At full capacity, the project is expected to create an estimated 118 jobs.

State leaders framed the project as both industrial and strategic. Tin is central to solder used across circuit boards and components in commercial and government applications—defense systems, smartphones, flat-panel displays, electric vehicles, batteries, advanced robotics, and aerospace technologies among them. Because most tin used in U.S. manufacturing is imported, adding domestic refining and processing capacity is intended to reduce reliance on overseas sources and improve supply resiliency.

The company cited Virginia’s workforce and logistics as decisive factors, noting proximity to ports, customers, suppliers, and Nathan Trotter’s broader network. Officials highlighted that the Patriot Centre Industrial Park site is “shovel-ready,” supporting a faster development timeline for the region’s advanced manufacturing base.

To help secure the project, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Henry County and the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation. The Governor approved a $1.5 million Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund grant, and the Virginia Jobs Investment Program will support recruitment and training for newly created roles. Those incentives, state leaders said, reflect a push to anchor critical mineral supply chains in the U.S. while expanding high-quality employment in Southern Virginia.

Nathan Trotter, founded in 1789 and based in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, described the facility as “state-of-the-art” and emphasized its role in strengthening a “fragile” domestic tin supply as global competition and demand rise. By adding capacity to refine tin concentrate and recycle scrap tin, the plant is positioned to increase U.S. availability and support industries that rely on consistent, high-quality inputs.

Construction and ramp-up timelines will be finalized as the project advances through development milestones and hiring.

Image credit Nathan Trotter