Business News

James River Celebrates 60 Years of Safe Operations

Fran Montemurro (far left) describes the site's emergency response training program to visitors during the plant's 60th anniversary celebration. Employees, family members, neighbors and community leaders recently gathered to celebrate 60 years of safe, continuous operations at the DuPont James River plant in Chesterfield County, Va.

Friday 27. June 2008 - James River was recognized by the Virginia General Assembly during its legislative session as an "exceedingly safe manufacturing facility," which is a direct result of employee-led safety team efforts and safety audit practices.

The site has achieved more than 26 years of safe operations without a lost workday case injury, and more than 14 years without a medical treatment case.
“We are proud of this significant milestone,” said Fran Montemurro, plant manager. “It is a tribute to our team for their dedication toward maintaining James River as a safe and successful manufacturing facility.”
In 1947, DuPont established the 450-acre plant to safely produce sulfuric acid. About two-thirds of sulfuric acid produced at James River is provided to the Spruance site in Richmond, Va., for use in the DuPont Kevlar manufacturing process. In 1982, James River Plant began producing gypsum, which is used in Virginia’s peanut farming industry, as well as for construction.