The Seaford nylon plant is getting recognition for its role in the state’s economy.
The site is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. The plant was built by DuPont Co. after the discovery of nylon at its research center near Wilmington.
Nylon based products—from fabric for military uniforms and other clothing, to engineered polymers for automotive applications, to fibers in carpet and air bags – remain a key part of everyday life. The plant is now operated by Invista, which purchased the DuPont business.
To mark this milestone anniversary, the State of Delaware Public Archives commissioned a historical marker that was unveiled at the site.
Representatives from local, state and federal government joined INVISTA leadership at the ceremony.
“We would like to thank the Seaford community for contributing to this site’s strong heritage,” said Brian Nixon, Invista Seaford site manager. “During the past 75 years, the Seaford site has evolved in response to an ever-changing marketplace. Thanks to our employees’ dedication and willingness to change with the market, we are proud to remain a productive and value-adding site in our community.”
Invista’s Seaford site manufactures nylon fiber for uniforms for the U.S. military, flame-resistant clothing for work-wear applications, nylon fiber for press felts used in paper manufacturing, and other industrial end-use products. In addition, the site also makes nylon fiber for CORDURA brand fabric outdoor and lifestyle clothing, including CORDURA Baselayer, Denim and CORDURA Canvas fabric technologies.
Invista is controlled by the Koch family, which has been active in conservative political circles.
The plant is located on approximately 648 acres adjacent to the Nanticoke River. In addition, Invista has designated 80 acres as wildlife habitat and has donated 146 acres to the Nanticoke River Watershed Conservancy for conservation purposes.
Construction of the initial facility began in March 1939, and the facility started operations on Dec. 12, 1939—just nine months after the initial groundbreaking. DuPont sold the plant in 2004.
The workforce was once in the thousands, but now numbers in the hundreds. The plant once dominated the economy of western Sussex County providing direct employment and spin-off jobs through the purchase of goods and services.
