VA Governor Warner announces aircraft company's decision to
move to Fairfax County
Virginia Gov. Mark R.
Warner announced today that AgustaWestland will relocate and
consolidate its operations in northern Virginia. AgustaWestland
Inc. and AgustaWestlandBell will relocate their headquarters to
Fairfax County. The two companies will create up to 300 jobs with a
$2 million investment at their new location in 30,000 square feet
of leased office space at 11700 Plaza America Drive in the Reston
area of the county.
Gov. Warner made the announcement in a celebration at the
offices of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority
(FCEDA).
AgustaWestland Inc. is the US subsidiary of AgustaWestland, a
Finmeccanica company. AgustaWestlandBell is a joint venture of
AgustaWestland and Bell Helicopter Textron. AgustaWestlandBell has
teamed up with Lockheed Martin to compete for the contract to
replace the "Marine One" fleet of helicopters used by the President
of the United States.
"This relocation is the next phase in AgustaWestland's expansion
as a major player in the rotorcraft industry," said Stephen C.
Moss, president of AgustaWestland Inc. "We are especially happy to
be in Fairfax County, helping to bring new jobs and opportunities
to one of the nation's premier business locations."
"Everyone recognizes
Fairfax County as an information technology center, but we also
have a strong aviation and aerospace economy, and the addition of
AgustaWestland Inc. and AgustaWestlandBell is a world-class
addition to that lineup," said Gerald L. Gordon, Ph.D., president
and CEO of the FCEDA.
The FCEDA and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership
assisted AgustaWestland with its decision. Business growth helps
Fairfax County fund public services such as the nation's top-rated
public school systems that contribute to the quality of life.
Fairfax County, minutes from Washington (DC), offers proximity to
the federal government and a large technology community, access to
domestic and international markets through Washington Dulles
International Airport, and a well-educated workforce.
The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority promotes
Fairfax County as a business and technology center. FCEDA programs
help large and small businesses locate and expand in the county.
The FCEDA maintains overseas offices in Bangalore, Frankfurt,
London, Tel Aviv and Tokyo.