Virginia Beach maritime contractor to hire 86 workers

Virginia Beach maritime government contractor Anchor Innovation plans to add 86 jobs as part of an expansion, Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced Thursday.

Founded in 2002, Anchor Innovation is a service-disabled, veteran-owned contractor providing marine maintenance and support to the U.S. Navy, including vessel repairs and upgrades.

Anchor Innovation plans to invest $213,000 on the expansion, which includes leasing additional boatyard space and opening a new 1,800-square-foot office in the city’s Lynnhaven area. The new location will house administrative functions, such as human resources, payroll and finance, freeing up more workshop space for technical staff and project work, according to a news release.

The governor’s office did not provide a timeline for the expansion and hiring. Anchor Innovation and the governor’s office did not immediately return requests for comment.

“Anchor Innovation’s expansion is a powerful example of Virginia’s entrepreneurial spirit and the strength of Hampton Roads’ veteran community,” Youngkin said in a statement. “With hundreds of thousands of service members and veterans calling this region home, Virginia Beach has become one of the best places in the nation for veterans to start and grow a business. Anchor’s continued success is proof that Virginia leads the way in creating jobs, growing businesses, and honoring those who served.”

Anchor Innovation Chief Growth Officer Mark Olson said the company is accelerating its ability to recruit, train and retain talent and working to scale up its infrastructure amid recent growth in areas such as unmanned surface vessels and advanced maritime technologies.

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership collaborated with Virginia Beach’s city government to secure the expansion.