Critical metals processing facility to increase US tin supply, recycling capabilities

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin announced Nathan Trotter, supplier and recycler of tin and tin alloy products, will invest approximately $65 million to construct Tin Ridge, a first-of-its-kind metal production and processing facility in Henry County. The company selected a strategic 44-acre site north of Martinsville for the 115,000ft² tin processing facility, which will significantly increase American tin supply and recycling capabilities. At full capacity, Tin Ridge is expected to create an estimated 118 new jobs in the Commonwealth.

“Nathan Trotter’s historic investment in Henry County only strengthens our national defense supply chain while also creating new, high-quality jobs and career opportunities in advanced manufacturing for the people of Southern Virginia,” says Youngkin. “This project underscores our commitment to securing critical industries, powering our national defense, growing jobs, and building a stronger, more resilient future for the Commonwealth and for America.”

“Nathan Trotter’s investment in Henry County is a powerful example of how Virginia is leading the way in advanced manufacturing and supply chain infrastructure,” says Secretary of Commerce and Trade Juan Pablo Segura. “By bringing the nation’s first large-scale tin processing facility to the Commonwealth, this project ensures the future of American manufacturing is powered by Virginia workers. We are proud to welcome such a historic and forward-looking company to the Commonwealth.”

The United States government has declared tin a critical mineral due to its role in solder used in circuit boards and electronics components for countless commercial and government applications, including critical defense systems, smartphones, flat panel displays, electric vehicles (EVs), batteries, advanced robotics, and aerospace technologies.

To address the nation’s dependence on tin imports, Nathan Trotter will develop and operate the nation’s first plant capable of refining noteworthy volumes of both tin concentrate and scrap tin in support of the U.S. economy and defense industrial base. The cutting-edge facility has also been designed to utilize the most advanced and environmentally friendly technology, enabling successful operations into the future. 

“Our new state-of-the-art tin processing facility will play an important and historic role in strengthening our nation’s fragile tin supply chain, as global competition and demand for critical minerals reaches extraordinary levels,” says Tyler Morris, VP and partner at Nathan Trotter. “We selected Henry County and the state of Virginia for the talented workforce and proximity to key ports, customers, suppliers, and our network of tin production facilities throughout the region.”

A family-owned and operated business since 1789, Nathan Trotter is based in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, with four tin refining and finishing plants across the state. The company has seen the tin use case evolve over 235 years throughout the Industrial Revolution, multiple world wars, and the digital age, which has intensified demand and applications for the critical base metal in the U.S. and worldwide. 

“This project marks a major step forward in Virginia’s leadership on securing critical mineral supply chains that are vital to our national defense and modern economy,” says Delegate Eric Phillips. “Nathan Trotter’s investment not only strengthens national security by reshoring critical mineral production – it also creates good-paying jobs and new opportunities for our skilled workforce.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Henry County and the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation to secure the project for Virginia. Governor Youngkin approved a $1,500,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist with the project.

VEDP will support Nathan Trotter’s job creation through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program, which provides consultative services and funding to companies creating new jobs in order to support employee recruitment and training activities. As a business incentive supporting economic development, VJIP reduces the human resource costs of new and expanding companies.