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Tag: Gov. Glenn Youngkin

Avionics manufacturer will invest $5M on Reston office and R&D facility

CMC Electronics, a Montreal-based avionics manufacturer, will invest $5 million to establish an office and research and development facility in Reston, Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced Friday.

Initially, the project will create 89 jobs, with more positions expected as operations increase, according to the governor’s office.

“This creation of new high-tech jobs demonstrates the strength of our commonwealth’s talent pipeline and our commitment to fostering cutting-edge industries,” Youngkin said in a statement.

CMC Electronics also has facilities in Canada and Illinois.

The company that would become CMC Electronics launched in 1903 as a wireless telegraph business. In the 1960s, the business switched its focus to aircraft navigation, monitoring and display systems, tactical radio communications, radar systems and multi-processor telex switching systems. Today, CMC Electronics designs and manufactures cockpit systems integration, avionics, display solutions and high-performance microelectronics for the military and commercial aviation markets.

“By expanding our presence, we are reinforcing our commitment to growth and continuing to provide cutting-edge avionics solutions that meet the evolving needs of the aerospace and defense industries,” Pierre Rossignol, president of CMC Electronics, stated.

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority to secure the project for Virginia.

Youngkin approved a $300,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund, a cash grant awarded to local governments on behalf of a company to offset or reimburse certain project-related costs, to assist Fairfax County with the project. Additionally, CMC Electronics is eligible for the Major Business Facility Job Tax Credit, which provides an $1,000 income tax credit for each full-time job created over a threshold number of jobs. VEDP’s Virginia Jobs Investment Program will also provide funding and services for recruitment and training.

Electro-Mechanical launches $16.5M expansion in Washington County

Electro-Mechanical — an electrical equipment manufacturer headquartered in Bristol — will invest $16.55 million to expand in Washington County, Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced Tuesday. 

“Electro-Mechanical’s significant expansion in Washington County demonstrates the strength of Southwest Virginia’s manufacturing sector and business climate,” Youngkin stated in a news release.

The company plans to add a 200,000-square-foot facility in Washington County, creating over 109 jobs, according to the governor’s office. Electro-Mechanical hopes to complete the expansion in 2025, according to spokespeople for the company. 

Electro-Mechanical also has three manufacturing facilities in Bristol, one in Canada and another in Mexico, they noted. About 520 of the company’s 700 employees work in Bristol.

“We are excited to once again be expanding our Bristol, Virginia, operations,” Howard Broadfoot, president and CEO of Electro-Mechanical, said in a statement. “We have experienced tremendous growth in our business over the past several years and this additional manufacturing capacity will allow us to better serve our customers for years to come.”

Electro-Mechanical’s roots date to 1958 when Frank Leonard opened an electrical apparatus repair shop on Bristol’s Williams Street, according to a company timeline.

Initially, the business primarily served the textile industry, but when a major client went out of business in the late 1960s, Electric Motor Repair and Sales refocused its business on serving the region’s mining industry. In 1971, the company changed its name to Electro-Mechanical and launched Line Power, a division providing electrical distribution and control apparatus.

Electro-Mechanical purchased Federal Pacific Transformer in 1986 and moved the company from Chicago to Bristol. That division offers dry-type transformers and medium-voltage switchgear.

Graycliff Partners, a New York investment firm, purchased Electro-Mechanical in 2021. The next year, Electro-Mechanical acquired Mirus International, a Canadian manufacturer of specialized power quality improvement products.

Graycliff Partners sold Electro-Mechanical to funds managed by California’s Oaktree Capital Management in March.

Virginia competed with Tennessee for the Electro-Mechanical expansion. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Washington County to secure the project for Virginia.

Youngkin approved a $300,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund, a state incentive to spur economic development, to assist Washington County with the project. Additionally, Electro-Mechanical is eligible for state benefits through the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, a state and local government partnership designed to promote job creation and investment. The Virginia Talent Accelerator Program, created by VEDP in collaboration with higher education participants, will provide recruitment and training services. 

Pharma company invests $1.5M on Prince William expansion

Pharmaceutical manufacturer Granules Consumer Health, a subsidiary of Granules India, will invest $1.5 million into expanding its operations in Prince William County, Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced Monday. 

The company plans to install new manufacturing lines at its existing Manassas facility, with an aim of creating nearly 100 new jobs. 

“Granules’ decision to expand their operations reinforces Virginia’s position as a cutting-edge hub for advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing,” Youngkin stated in a news release. “This investment … underscores the Commonwealth’s commitment to supporting businesses that drive innovation in healthcare and life sciences.”

In 2022, Granules Consumer Health announced plans to invest $12.5 million to establish a facility on Cushing Road in Manassas for pharmaceutical packaging and distribution. The operation currently has Our Chantilly location is Granules Pharmaceuticals Inc. where the manufacturing occurs. The Manassas operation currently has about 105 full-time workers, according to Bret Svedberg, head of human resources for the company’s North America operations. 

“Since its opening in early 2023, we have nearly doubled our workforce by hiring local talent,” Krishna Prasad Chigurupati, chairman and managing director of Granules India, stated in a news release. “This is a big step forward for us, and we are glad to be growing alongside the community.” 

Founded in 1991, Granules India has a presence in more than 80 countries.

Granules has 323 employees in North America, including about 185 who work at Granules Pharmaceuticals, a manufacturing facility, in Chantilly, according to Svedberg.

Granules Consumer Health launched in 2014 to manufacture over-the-counter, generic pharmaceutical products. 

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Prince William to secure the project. Granules Consumer Health will receive support through the state-funded Virginia Jobs Investment Program, which provides services and funding to support employee recruitment and training.

Editor’s note: This story has been updated. 

Marble Systems to build facility in Caroline County

A Fairfax County-based stone products manufacturer and distributor, Marble Systems, will invest $9.7 million on a warehouse and distribution center in Caroline County, creating an estimated 59 jobs, Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced Friday.

Virginia competed with South Carolina, New Jersey and Georgia for the project, which will also include cut stone and stone product manufacturing facilities, according to the governor’s office.

In a statement, Marble Systems CEO Munir Turunc said, “By investing in our home state of Virginia, we have achieved an outstanding geographic position that bolsters our ability to serve our distribution and dealer networks and gives us ready access to the Virginia ports and the I-95 corridor. And importantly, we will have access to great employee talent for both immediate and future hiring needs.”

Headquartered in Fairfax, Marble Systems was founded in 1982 and has presences across the country, from Florida to California, as well as a tile outlet in Chantilly. It also has offices in Turkey and Germany, and three factories in western Turkey.

“Marble Systems’ decision to expand in Caroline County underscores Virginia’s commitment to fostering homegrown businesses,” Youngkin said in a statement. “This $9.7 million investment is a win for Virginia’s construction and design industries, and cements the commonwealth’s unparalleled reputation as a hub for high-quality stone product manufacturing.”

Marble Systems will receive consultation and funding for employee recruitment and training through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program, a state-funded initiative. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Caroline County and the Fredericksburg Regional Alliance to secure the project for Virginia, and the company is also eligible for benefits from the Port of Virginia Economic and Infrastructure Development Zone Grant Program.

Currie Medical to expand in Norfolk

Currie Medical, a medical device manufacturer, plans to invest $1.22 million to expand its operations in Norfolk, creating an estimated 60 jobs, the governor’s office announced Friday.

Based in Franklin, Tennessee, Currie Medical will lease a 30,000-square-foot building at 3701 E. Virginia Beach Blvd. in Norfolk, where it will house its medical device reprocessing operation and distribution center. Currie has 15 employees in Norfolk and employs about 45 people total between Virginia and Tennessee, according to co-owner Carter Smith. The new facility is expected to be in full operation and fully staffed in the first quarter of 2025, he added.

“Currie Medical is excited to expand our operations into the vibrant business community of Norfolk,” Smith and co-owner Owen Griffin said in a statement. “This region offers us a skilled workforce, strong infrastructure and a supportive environment that fosters growth and innovation in the medical technology sector. With this investment, we are committed to bringing new job opportunities to the area and continuing to develop new solutions in medical device reprocessing. We look forward to contributing to the advancement of health care with our growing Norfolk-based team.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the City of Norfolk and the Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance to secure the project, and the Virginia Jobs Investment Program will assist Currie Medical with consultation and funding for recruitment and training activities. The company is also eligible for state benefits through the Port of Virginia Economic and Infrastructure Development Zone Grant Program.

“Currie Medical’s expansion in Norfolk highlights Virginia’s growing prowess in specialized manufacturing,” Gov. Glenn Youngkin said in a statement. “This project not only adds to our skilled workforce but also strengthens our reputation as a hub for innovative medical technology solutions. We are proud to have them in the commonwealth for years to come.”

Yagen makes $100M donation to Military Aviation Museum

Gerald “Jerry” Yagen, founder of the Aviation Institute of Maintenance and Centura College, has made a $100 million gift to Virginia Beach’s Military Aviation Museum, including his private collection of 70 vintage military aircraft, the museum announced last week.

In the 1990s, Yagen began collecting aircraft from the first 50 years of aviation history, from the Wright Brothers’ flight in 1903 to the Korean War in the early 1950s, planes that were originally stored in hangars in Suffolk. In 2008, he opened the Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach, allowing the public to see the collection. Yagen’s gift includes the 130 acres where the museum sits, an airfield at 1341 Princess Anne Road, and $30 million to start an endowment for the museum. The gift was announced Oct. 5 at the museum’s annual Warbirds Over the Beach air show.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin thanked Yagen, his wife, Elaine, and their family for the gift in a statement. “It’s due to great Virginians like the Yagens that our commonwealth is the best place to live, work and raise your family.”

The museum, which now has about 250 volunteers, is run by Keegan Chetwynd, the museum’s director and CEO, who has shepherded it from a private collection to an independent nonprofit. About 85,000 visitors come to the museum annually, according to the announcement. Many of the aircraft are still flyable, and on Thursday, a World War II-era plane from the collection carried a load of baby formula, diapers and other necessities to western North Carolina to assist victims of Hurricane Helene, in partnership with the Virginia Beach Fire Department.

“In the beginning, I saw this as my personal challenge to preserve history and these beautiful warbirds,” Yagen said in a statement. “I just didn’t want to see them disappear to time. I never believed so many would volunteer so much to help Elaine and I do this. I realize it is no longer an individual challenge.”

Afton Scientific announces $200M Albemarle expansion

Afton Scientific, a manufacturer of sterile injectable pharmaceuticals, plans to invest over $200 million to expand its manufacturing facility in Albemarle County, Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced Wednesday.

The expansion is projected to create more than 200 jobs.

Founded by Thomas Thorpe in Charlottesville in 1991, Afton Scientific is a contract development and manufacturing organization (CMDO), providing comprehensive services including drug development and manufacturing. At its facility at Avon Court, Afton Scientific offers a range of services including sterile manufacturing, packaging and labeling, analytical and micro lab and pharmaceutical support services.

“This announcement represents an exciting advancement in providing critical, life-saving therapies to more Americans, and Afton Scientific is thrilled about our expansion in Central Virginia, where we’ve grown the company since day one,” Thorpe, CEO of Afton Scientific, stated in the announcement.

In January, Arlington Capital Partners, a Washington, D.C.-area private investment firm that specializes in government regulated industries and works to close gaps in sectors like health care, announced it had made a majority investment in Afton Scientific.

“Companies like Afton are mission critical to the safety and well-being of America, and their importance is only going to increase as we continue to onshore and reinforce our pharmaceutical supply chain,” Malcolm Little, a partner at Arlington Capital Partners, said in a statement. “Ensuring systemically important domestic manufacturing is well-optimized has always been a focus of ours and since partnering with Afton nearly a year ago, we have worked hand-in-hand with Thomas, his strong management team and Gov. Youngkin to help meet the ever-increasing demand for its aseptic CDMO services.”

The expansion will allow Afton Scientific to implement new manufacturing technologies and increase manufacturing capacity.

Virginia competed with “several” states for the project, according to Youngkin’s office. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Albemarle County and the Central Virginia Partnership to secure the expansion for the commonwealth.

Youngkin approved a grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist Albemarle County with the project. Additionally, Afton Scientific will receive support through the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program, a VEDP service provided in collaboration with the Virginia Community College System and other higher education partners. Launched in 2019, the program provides direct delivery of recruitment and training services at no cost to companies.

Afton Scientific is a current participant – and a 2012 graduate – of the Virginia Leaders in Export Trade Program, which provides assistance to Virginia exporters.

Manufacturer plans $5M expansion in Scott County

VFP, a manufacturer of enclosures used to protect critical infrastructure, will invest $5 million to expand its Scott County facility, a move expected to create 50 jobs, Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced Monday. 

The expansion will allow VFP to respond to a growing data center market. 

“Virginia’s robust data center industry relies on manufacturers like VFP, and those synergies have created a robust ecosystem of partners and suppliers,” Youngkin stated in a news release.  

Founded in 1965 in Roanoke County, VFP began manufacturing products in Scott County in 1997. It currently employs 350 workers at its campus in Duffield, according to Scott File, its president and CEO. 

A man wearing a blue blazer.
Scott File is president and CEO of VFP. Photo courtesy VFP

Workers at the employee-owned company, manufacture a variety of products using materials ranging from heavyweight concrete to lightweight flexible metal. VFP shelters are used primarily by utility providers, municipalities, data centers and broadband providers. The products are used on all seven continents. 

 “Since relocating to Scott County over 25 years ago, VFP has experienced continued growth across all market sectors,” Scott File, president and CEO of VFP, stated in the release. “VFP attributes this success to the loyalty and talent of our employee-owners who share the common goal of supplying industry-leading, quality products and services to our valued customers.”

In 2008, VFP participated in the Virginia Leaders in Export Trade Program, an international business acceleration program offered by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership. It’s also part of the VEDP’s Supply Chain Optimization Program, which helps companies evaluate their supply chain management and import processes. 

The VEDP worked with Scott County to secure the project for Virginia, which competed with Louisiana and Missouri. 

Youngkin approved a $75,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist Scott County with this project. Support for VFP job creation will be provided through the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program. The program, created by VEDP in collaboration with higher education partners, offers recruitment and training services at no cost to the company.

Pittsylvania tapped as home for $1.5M+ training center

TECHnista, an education consulting company that develops curriculum for K-12 programs in defense and advanced manufacturing industries, will invest about $1.56 million to establish a National Training and Technology Center in Pittsylvania County, Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced Friday. 

The project, which is expected to create 15 jobs, will assist in the implementation of a five-year federal contract with the U.S. Department of Defense’s office of Innovation Capability and Modernization. 

Called the Manufacturing and Engineering Education Reimagined for All program, TECHnista’s middle-school manufacturing initiative seeks to attract students and equip them with skills needed for careers in advanced manufacturing. “These skills will propel the next generation of defense manufacturing workers,” the announcement from the governor’s office stated. 

By 2029, the programs produced at the National Training and Technology Center are expected to assist in training 110,000 students. 

“Our mission at TECHnista goes beyond building a successful business—we are committed to innovating K-12 education and strengthening local and national manufacturing workforce pipelines,” Kelsey Robertson, TECHnista founder and CEO, said in a statement. “We are excited to bring our K-12 manufacturing education solution to fruition in Pittsylvania County.”

Before launching TECHnista in 2021, Robertson taught math, science, and career and technical education at Pittsylvania County schools. She earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Averett University in 2015. 

TECHnista will lease-to-purchase a facility at 2311 Cane Creek Parkway in the Ringgold East Industrial Park owned by the Pittsylvania County Industrial Development Authority. Virginia successfully competed with North Carolina for the project. 

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Pittsylvania County and the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance to secure the project. Youngkin approved a $50,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist Pittsylvania County with this project and TECHnista is eligible to receive benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, which provides grant-based incentives for job creation and redevelopment or construction of commercial or industrial sites. 

Kongsberg to build $101M missile plant in James City County

Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, a subsidiary of Norway’s Kongsberg Group, plans to establish its first U.S. defense assembly plant in James City County, investing more than $100 million and creating an estimated 180 jobs, Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced Tuesday.  

The company expects to invest $71 million in a 150,000-square-foot facility in James City County, as well as an additional $30 million on engineering and software, according to the governor’s office. Founded in 1814, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace is one of three business units at Kongsberg Group, an international tech company that provides products and systems to military, offshore industries and renewable energy customers, among other business sectors. KDA is based in Alexandria. 

According to a news release, the James City County plant will be tasked with maintaining and refreshing cruise missiles that the Department of Defense will procure for the U.S. Navy. The naval strike missiles are for littoral combat ships and the new Constellation-class frigate. Also, the Air Force is purchasing Kongsberg joint strike missiles for F-35 fighters. The new plant, according to Kongsberg, will be its “first production facility in the U.S., and it will expand domestic suppliers, building capacity and redundancy for these critical capabilities worldwide.”

“Following our productive meetings in Europe, Kongsberg’s decision to establish its first U.S. defense assembly facility in Virginia reaffirms our status as America’s top state for business,” Youngkin said in a statement Tuesday. “Not only will this investment create more than 180 new jobs, but it will also showcase our strategic location to attract global leaders in defense industries. We are proud to welcome them to the commonwealth and look forward to supporting their growth.”

“On our recent trade mission to Europe, we met with leaders of Kongsberg,” Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick said. “The exciting announcement will provide excellent opportunities for Virginia’s talented workforce, and we are excited about the impact this will have on the commonwealth’s high-tech defense manufacturing economy. Kongsberg’s investment in a 150,000-square-foot facility in James City County is a perfect example of why Virginia is an ideal destination for businesses around the world.”

Also on Tuesday, Kongsberg announced plans to invest $10 million to expand a U.S. remote weapon systems factory in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, where more than 220 people are employed.  

Youngkin met with Kongsberg executives at the Farnborough International Airshow in England in July and at the Paris Airshow in 2023, according to a spokesperson for the governor.

Youngkin approved a $1.5 million grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist the county in securing the James City County project, and he approved a $750,000 Virginia Investment Performance Grant. Also, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership’s Virginia Talent Accelerator Program will assist Kongsberg in recruitment and workforce training efforts at no cost to the company.

The decision to pick James City County for the facility “was heavily influenced by the continuous availability of well-trained and highly skilled workers coming from the various military installations in the region,” Heather Armentrout, president and general manager of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, said in a statement. In February, Armentrout was hired to oversee the Norwegian company’s U.S. activities; she previously worked for Northrop Grumman and the CIA. Tuesday’s announcement is part of Kongsberg’s worldwide expansion of missile plants and facilities.

In June, Kongsberg opened a new missile manufacturing plant in Norway where it will produce its Naval Strike Missile (NSM) and its Joint Strike Missile (JSM).  

“The interest in NSM and JSM has grown over the past decade and is now the leading fifth-generation strike missile in 13 countries, including Norway, NATO countries and other close allies,” Eirik Lie, president of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS and executive vice president of Kongsberg Group, said in a June 20 news release.

In August, Kongsberg announced plans to build a factory in Newcastle, Australia, that will manufacture and service missiles used by the Australian Defence Force. 

“The new missile production facilities in the U.S., Australia and Norway address the strong and long-term demand for our unique technology and the critical need to strengthen collective defense capabilities,” Geir Håøy, Kongsberg Group’s president and CEO, said in a statement Tuesday.