New Northrop Grumman facility to bring more than 300 jobs to Waynesboro

WAYNESBORO — Gov. Glenn Youngkin has announced that Northrop Grumman Corporation, a global aerospace and defense technology company, will invest more than $200 million to establish a new 315,000 square foot advanced electronics manufacturing and testing facility on Shenandoah Village Drive near the Waynesboro Town Center.

The project will create more than 300 new jobs, according to a press release.

“Northrop Grumman’s expanding Virginia footprint sends a powerful message that the Commonwealth is a magnet for investment underpinned by a next-generation workforce,” said Youngkin. “This global leader’s cutting-edge facility in Waynesboro will provide job opportunities that attract and retain high-quality talent and create a transformational ripple effect for the entire region.”

Waynesboro Mayor Lana Williams said city officials are thrilled with the announcement.

“This investment brings economic growth and new employment opportunities to the city and region," Williams said. "We look forward to a long and mutually rewarding relationship.”

The facility will increase capacity to manufacture and test advanced electronics and mission solutions to meet its customer's needs, said Kathy Warden, the chair, chief executive officer and president of Northrop Grumman.

The developer of the project is Equus Capital Partner.

“We are honored to partner with Northrop Grumman and the City of Waynesboro on this extremely important development project,” said Dan DiLella Jr., senior vice president of Equus. “Our team at Equus worked diligently for several months with Northrop Grumman and the staff in Waynesboro to help make this project a reality. We appreciate The City of Waynesboro and their strong support and energy throughout the process.”

Support for Northrop Grumman’s job creation will be provided through the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program, a workforce initiative created by VEDP in collaboration with the Virginia Community College System and other higher education partners, with funding support from the Governor’s administration and the Virginia General Assembly.

Launched in 2019, the program accelerates new facility start-ups through the direct delivery of recruitment and training services that are fully customized to a company’s unique products, processes, equipment, standards, and culture.

“The addition of aerospace and technology leader Northrop Grumman to Waynesboro is a significant and positive development for the community,” said Greg Hitchin, Waynesboro's director of economic development and tourism.

“The establishment of this manufacturing facility aligns seamlessly with our objective of attracting new investments and fostering well-paying employment opportunities within the city," Hitchin said. "We appreciate the support of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) and Gov. Youngkin’s approval of an $8.5 million grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to bring the project to Waynesboro.”

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— Patrick Hite is a reporter at The News Leader. Story ideas and tips always welcome. Contact Patrick (he/him/his) at phite@newsleader.com and follow him on Twitter @Patrick_Hite. Subscribe to us at newsleader.com

This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: New Northrop Grumman facility to bring more than 300 jobs to Waynesboro