Alfa Laval to double capacity at Richmond, Virgina, facility by 2028

Already underway, the multi-year investment will double the site's production capacity for heat exchangers by mid-2028.

The expansion includes a comprehensive factory re-layout, increased automation across production lines, and significant investment in workforce development. Together, these initiatives are designed to boost efficiency, enhance product quality, and ensure Alfa Laval can support customers' long-term growth without supply constraints.

"As customer needs evolve and scale, heat transfer technology becomes increasingly critical to operational performance and reliability," said Ester Codina, President of Alfa Laval North America. "This expansion ensures our customers have the capacity they need to grow with confidence. We're building capacity ahead of demand, not reacting to it."

Rising investment across advanced manufacturing and industrial infrastructure is driving increased demand for high-performance, reliable heat exchange solutions. Alfa Laval's Richmond expansion is a deliberate, long-term move to stay ahead of market pressure, secure customer supply, and scale with demand through 2028 and beyond.

The expansion focuses on optimising factory flow, increasing automation, and strengthening workforce capabilities through targeted hiring, upskilling, and new European-led training frameworks designed for advanced manufacturing.

"Growth isn't just about scale, it's about how we work," said Bill Hertz, Factory Manager, Richmond. "By combining automation with deep employee expertise, we're building a more resilient, efficient operation while investing in long-term skill development."

Richmond plays a critical role in Alfa Laval's North American manufacturing network, supporting customers across the US and Canada. The expansion enhances regional supply reliability while positioning the site as a more attractive employer, with expanded opportunities in technical training and advanced manufacturing.

Global best practices from Alfa Laval's operations are already being implemented, ensuring quality and operational excellence as automation increases.

The capacity increase is a phased, multi-year initiative, with full completion targeted for mid-2028, ensuring uninterrupted production while scaling to meet future demand.

Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/refining/25022026/alfa-laval-to-double-capacity-at-richmond-virgina-facility-by-2028/