Governor Gilmore Announces INIT GmbH's Decision to Locate in Chesapeake

German transportation company to create 100 jobs in South Hampton Roads

Richmond - Governor Jim Gilmore today announced that Innovations in Transportation, Inc. (INIT) has decided to locate its North American headquarters in the City of Chesapeake. INIT is a leading provider of computer-integrated Intelligent Transportation Systems throughout Europe and the United States. The company plans to hire 100 employees within five years and will initially invest $2 million in the facility.

"Because of our surging economy and skilled workforce, many international companies such as INIT are locating facilities and U.S. headquarters in Virginia," Governor Gilmore said. "This company will be a welcome addition to our growing list of transportation-related firms."

As INIT’s intelligent transit solutions have been well received in the European market, the firm is now establishing an office in Chesapeake to provide products to the North American transit industry. INIT provides public transit authorities with modular hardware and software for real-time vehicle location; for fleet management; and for on-board, wayside and/or Internet passenger information. The company will establish a 2,700-square-foot office in the new Lake Center I building located in Battlefield Corporate Center. The INIT workforce will consist of engineers in software development, information technologies, general electronics, microprocessor electronics, advanced voice and data radio communication and business administration.

Dr. Juergen Greschner, President of INIT, stated, "As a business location, Chesapeake attracted INIT because of the area’s skilled labor force, proximity to well-reputed universities, reasonable business costs and the quality of life. INIT received excellent support from the economic development organizations in Virginia." 

"Once again, Virginia has been selected over the competition by a respected international company," Secretary of Commerce and Trade Barry E. DuVal said. "INIT will benefit from the dedicated workforce located in the Hampton Roads region."

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance and the City of Chesapeake Economic Development Department assisted the company with its decision. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide workforce training services.

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