RICHMOND - Governor Mark R. Warner today announced that BAE Systems will invest $25 million to establish a new information technology work center in Fairfax County to support the company’s expanding federal IT business. The project will result in 700 new jobs over the next three years. The new center will join the company’s 30 facilities currently operating in Virginia.
“700 new high tech jobs is just more proof that northern Virginia’s economy is the hottest in the nation right now,” said Governor Warner. “We have a highly-trained workforce that is already ‘security-cleared’ in many instances. In this case, the company even cites Virginia’s efforts to ensure fiscal stability as incentive to continue to expand here. BAE Systems’ new center will be a perfect fit in Fairfax County where information technology companies continue to flourish.”
BAE Systems has grown to become one of the top suppliers to U.S. intelligence and defense agencies using highly innovative and leading edge solutions across the defense electronics, systems, information technology and services arenas. Employing approximately 30,000 people, BAE Systems North America has operations across 30 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.K., generating annual sales of more than $5 billion. BAE Systems designs, develops, integrates, manufactures and supports a wide range of advanced aerospace products and intelligent electronic systems for government and commercial customers. BAE Systems North America is a U.S. corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of BAE Systems plc.
BAE Systems Information Technology, the business unit fielding the new information technology work center, is one of the largest federal sector information technology providers and addresses evolving U.S. national security priorities in support of the Department of Defense, Military Services and Homeland Defense.
BAE Systems’ rationale for choosing Virginia was explained by BAE Systems Information Technology President Bill Shernit, “Virginia, and Fairfax County in particular, has a strong, pro-business climate, an educated workforce, an excellent communications infrastructure and is in close proximity to our major customers. Governor Warner’s efforts for fiscal stability and tax reform for the Commonwealth were additional incentives for BAE Systems.”
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership and the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority assisted BAE Systems with its decision to expand in Virginia. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide training through its Workforce Services Program. The company also may be eligible to receive Major Business Facility Jobs Tax Credits.
"I am delighted that BAE Systems has again chosen to expand and invest in Fairfax County. The company's presence has grown dramatically here in the last few years and is a great fit for our highly skilled technical workforce," said Gerald E. Connolly, chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.