RICHMOND - Governor Mark R. Warner today announced that General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products will invest $6.5 million to expand in Smyth County. The investment will allow the company to relocate its Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) operation to its existing Marion, Virginia facility, creating 120 new jobs. Virginia successfully competed with several other states for the project.
“I am pleased General Dynamics chose Virginia for this job-creating investment,” said Governor Warner. “The skilled workforce, available space and central East Coast location of the company’s Smyth County facility make it the right choice for this expansion. Today’s announcement reflects the Commonwealth’s growing homeland security industry.”
General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products, a business unit of Virginia-based General Dynamics, is headquartered in Burlington, Vermont. The company designs, develops and produces high-performance armament systems; a full range of advanced composite-based products; biological and chemical detection systems; tactical deception equipment; and mobile shelter systems. The Smyth County facility currently employs more than 650 people and includes three manufacturing sites totaling more than one million square feet. More information about General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products can be found at www.gdatp.com.
“We were very impressed with Governor Warner’s strong support of General Dynamics’ efforts to bring additional jobs to our Marion operations in Smyth County. In addition to the excellent workforce in Marion, the remarkable cooperation of state and local officials, the affordable cost of living, and competitive business incentives were major factors in the decision to move our RTM process to Virginia,” said Linda Hudson, President of General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products.
Governor Warner approved a $300,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Smyth County with the project. The county also obtained $300,000 in Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds from the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership and Smyth County assisted General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products with its decision. The company qualifies for a Major Business Facility Job Tax Credit, a statutory incentive available to all qualifying companies. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide workforce training services.
“This is a terrific announcement for Smyth County and I am happy that the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission has been able to provide $300,000 in funding," said Senator William Wampler.
“We are excited about the commitment made today by General Dynamics to invest in Smyth County,” said Mike Roberts, Chairman of the Smyth County Board of Supervisors. “These new technology-based jobs will be a great boost to our local economy, and we are proud to be able to help support this expansion.”