Huntington Ingalls to establish unmanned systems center in Hampton

Gov. Ralph Northam announced Tuesday that Newport News-based Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII), the nation’s largest military shipbuilding company, will establish an unmanned systems center in Hampton, which will create more than 250 jobs.

“Huntington Ingalls Industries is a national leader in advanced manufacturing, and this investment is a powerful testament to Virginia’s workers and business environment,” Northam said in a statement. “The company’s new unmanned systems facility in Hampton will support America’s national security and play a key role in strengthening our economic recovery as we continue working to rebound from this health crisis.” HII employs more than 42,000 people domestically and internationally.

HII’s Newport News and Ingalls Shipbuilding divisions have, for more than a century, built more ships in more ship classes than any other U.S. naval shipbuilder. The company’s technical solutions division supports global national security missions using unmanned systems, nuclear and environmental services, defense and federal solutions and fleet sustainment. 

HII President and CEO Mike Petters said in a statement that the new facility will add capacity to the company’s current offerings.

“We are very excited to build this state-of-the-art facility and believe this added capability will truly enhance our ability to perform current and future work, and allow us to remain on the forefront of advanced manufacturing technology,” Petters said in a statement. “We are appreciative of the great partnerships we have with the commonwealth, Governor Northam, and our local officials as we move forward in constructing this new facility.” 

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) worked with the city of Hampton and the Hampton Roads Alliance to secure the project for Virginia. Northam approved a $1.5 million grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to help the city of Hampton with the project, and also approved a performance-based grant of $1.5 million from the Virginia Investment Performance program, an incentive that encourages capital investment by existing Virginia companies. HII is also eligible to receive funding from the Transportation Partnership Opportunity Fund, administered through the Virginia Department of Transportation.

“Huntington Ingalls Industries has been a longtime valued corporate partner to Virginia, and we are proud that the company will continue its investment in the commonwealth,” Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball said in a statement. “HII already employs more than 26,000 Virginians and its role in our economy cannot be overstated. We look forward to supporting this significant project as Huntington Ingalls expands its footprint in Hampton Roads.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership’s Virginia Talent Accelerator Program will provide support for job creation. The program, which launched in 2019, provides recruitment and training services at no cost to companies as an incentive for job creation.

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