American Viscose Corporation

Established in 1909, it became the largest supplier of rayon and the first company to make artificial silk in the United States.

[3] The company was founded by Samuel Agar Salvage, as a division of Courtaulds and began production as "The American Viscose Corporation-(AVC)" in 1910.

AVC also extended their reach to television station ownership, purchasing majority control of five construction permits from Daniel H. Overmyer in 1967 in exchange for a $3 million loan.

[5][6] AVC formed U.S. Communications, Inc., to operate these unbuilt stations along with WPHL-TV in Philadelphia, which was concurrently purchased from separate interests.

[13][14] The plant was demolished in 1997,[15] and is being restored by FMC in conjunction with the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Mid-20th century postcard showing an aerial view of the American Viscose Corporation Plant in Front Royal, Virginia .
American Viscose Corporation Industrial Village built to house workers in Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania
Vacant American Viscose Corporation Building on 10th Street in Marcus Hook in 2020