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.

FMI: www.agustawestland.com, www.fairfaxcountyeda.org