Yesterday, ITT Exelis celebrated the official opening of its new headquarters in Fairfax County, just a few short months after Governor McDonnell’s announcement of the company’s plans to invest up to $5 million and create 100 new jobs. This has been a busy few weeks for ITT Exelis, completing its spin-off from ITT Corporation on October 31, and ringing the bell at the New York Stock Exchange as an independent company on November 4. 

Secretary Cheng and Congressman Jim Moran were on hand to offer their congratulations to the company as ITT Exelis unveiled its logo on the newly christened headquarters building. Located on Tysons Boulevard, the new corporate headquarters is housed in the center of the bustling business community of Tysons Corner in McLean, Va., just a few miles away from the Pentagon and other key government and military customers. With expansion of the D.C. Metro’s Silver Line expected to come right through the area in a couple of years, contact with D.C. defense players will only improve.

Proximity to key customers isn’t the only reason Virginia won this deal. ITT is already well acquainted with Virginia’s pro-business climate, as it is has a strong presence across the state with operations in McLean, Herndon and Roanoke. The decision to further its presence in the Commonwealth, particularly with ITT Exelis’ headquarters location, illustrates an understanding of Virginia’s strong assets that include a highly skilled workforce and a favorable regulatory and tax environment.

Coming right on the heels of Northrop Grumman’s new headquarters opening, Virginia is establishing itself as the global hub for the defense industry. Already home to ATK, BAE Systems Inc., CACI International, Computer Sciences Corp., General Dynamics, SAIC and SRA International, the Commonwealth is in a strong position to attract additional defense players. To learn why top defense and aerospace companies said yes to Virginia click here.