Once known as the “Chemical Capital of the South”, Hopewell has strong roots in industry, spanning well over a century. In the early 1900’s, the DuPont De Nemours put Hopewell on the map with its production of guncotton. 

Industry thrived until the early 1970’s, when the Life Science Products Company’s kepone dumping scandal made national headlines. Factory workers fell sick and for 15 years, fishing in the James River was banned. Industry took a hit that has taken years to bounce back from. Luckily for us, resilience is in our DNA.

Made in Hopewell was founded in 2023 as an initiative of the Hopewell Downtown Partnership. Our goal is to attract and cultivate a community through small business initiatives supporting local makers and manufacturers. We’re passionate about the city of Hopewell and want to spread that love throughout the community.