Two major manufacturers, CMC Electronics and Electro-Mechanical, have announced significant expansions in Virginia, collectively creating 198 new jobs and contributing millions in investments to the state.
CMC Electronics, a global leader in avionics, will invest $5 million to establish a new office and research and development (R&D) facility in Reston, Fairfax County. The new facility is expected to create 89 jobs, with plans for further employment growth over time. Known for designing advanced avionics, display solutions, and optoelectronics for military and commercial aviation, the company already operates in Montreal, Quebec, and Sugar Grove, Illinois.
Pierre Rossignol, President of CMC Electronics, expressed excitement about the expansion, emphasizing the strategic importance of being closer to one of the world’s largest defense markets. “This new office will enable us to attract top-tier talent, accelerate innovation, and deliver even greater value to our customers,” said Rossignol. He added that the expansion reinforces the company’s commitment to growth and its mission to provide cutting-edge avionics solutions for the aerospace and defense industries.
Governor Glenn Youngkin highlighted Virginia’s growing role as a hub for aerospace innovation, noting that the expansion aligns with the state’s efforts to foster high-tech industries. “CMC Electronics’ investment underscores the strength of Virginia’s talent pipeline and our pro-business climate,” said Youngkin.
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) and the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority collaborated to secure the project, with the state offering a $300,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist with the expansion. CMC Electronics is also eligible for benefits through the Major Business Facility Job Tax Credit and the Virginia Jobs Investment Program, which provides support for employee recruitment and training.
Meanwhile, in southwest Virginia, Electro-Mechanical LLC, a manufacturer of electrical equipment, has announced plans to invest $16.55 million in a 200,000-square-foot expansion of its Bristol facility in Washington County. The expansion is set to create 109 new jobs and will enhance the company’s ability to produce switchgear and other electrical apparatus used in the generation, distribution, and control of electricity.
Howard Broadfoot, President and CEO of Electro-Mechanical, expressed his enthusiasm for the expansion, citing the company’s recent growth and the positive support from local and state officials. “The overwhelming support from VEDP, Washington County, and the Governor’s office reaffirmed our decision to expand in Virginia,” Broadfoot said. “This investment will allow us to better serve our customers and support long-term growth.”
Mike Rush, Chairman of the Washington County Board of Supervisors, praised the investment, noting that it would strengthen the local economy and create new job opportunities. “This commitment showcases our region as a thriving hub for innovation and manufacturing,” Rush stated.
Electro-Mechanical’s expansion will also benefit from the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program, which provides customized workforce training and recruitment services to new and expanding companies at no cost. This program, ranked the No. 1 Workforce Training Program in the U.S. by Business Facilities in 2024, is designed to accelerate facility startups and support job creation.
Both expansions represent a significant boost to Virginia’s economy and reinforce the state’s position as a leading destination for high-tech industries.
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