The Rotary Club of Norfolk welcomed Patrick Y. Shim, Managing Director of LS Cable & System/LS GreenLink USA, as this week’s featured speaker. Shim shared the remarkable story of South Korea's economic transformation and the significant investments his company is making in Hampton Roads – investments that position Chesapeake as a key hub for advanced manufacturing and national security.
Shim began by reflecting on South Korea's journey following the Korean War. Once a nation that received international aid, South Korea has grown into a global powerhouse in semiconductors, automotive manufacturing, shipbuilding, and advanced technology. He also explained the history of LS Cable, which became an independent company after a friendly split from LG in the early 2000s. Today, LS Cable & System is a global leader in power and communication cables, employing more than 6,500 people across 17 countries and generating approximately $30 billion in annual sales. As Managing Director, Shim oversees the company's North American strategy and nearly $2 billion in new capital investments.
Much of that investment is coming to Chesapeake. Shim highlighted the $681 million LS GreenLink project, which will manufacture high-voltage subsea power cables (used in offshore wind farms) and create 330 new jobs. The facility will feature the tallest structure in Virginia, designed to ensure the precise manufacturing of massive power cables. A second $689 million Advanced Materials Manufacturing Complex will break ground soon, adding another 430 jobs while producing copper rod, magnet wire, and rare earth magnets. These materials are essential for strengthening America's domestic supply chain and reducing dependence on foreign sources for components used in critical defense systems.
Shim also discussed why Hampton Roads was selected for these transformative projects. Beyond the region's strategic port access, the area's highly skilled workforce, particularly the approximately 15,000 military veterans transitioning to civilian life each year, made it an ideal location. Shim says training will be important, as many of the required skills do not currently exist in the U.S.
Rotarians left with a greater appreciation for the global forces shaping Hampton Roads' economy and the tremendous opportunity these investments represent for the region's future. Shim's presentation reinforced how international partnerships and local talent are combining to create lasting economic impact across our community.
Attending Rotarians would have noticed that a reporter from 13NewsNow was also in attendance. You can see her story about Shim here.
