Elbit Systems of America will expand its manufacturing facility in Roanoke County, Virginia, with a $30 million investment, Governor Glenn Youngkin announced. The expansion will add 288 new jobs, increasing the workforce at the site to over 1,000 employees. The facility specializes in producing low-light night vision devices for the defense industry.
Governor Youngkin stated, “Elbit America’s continued growth in Roanoke County strengthens America’s defense capabilities and supports our brave service members at home and abroad. This expansion will create nearly 300 new jobs and increase production of the high-quality night vision systems our military relies on every day. With Virginia’s strategic location, business-friendly environment, and robust veteran workforce, Elbit America is poised for continued success and growth in the Commonwealth.”
Secretary of Commerce and Trade Juan Pablo Segura said, “Elbit America’s massive investment in Roanoke County shows that Virginia workers are committed to supporting America’s armed services from the factory to the front lines. By moving at the speed of business, the Commonwealth is helping ensure the companies that keep our military safe are continuing to grow and invest in Virginia.”
Luke Savoie, President & CEO of Elbit America, commented on the company’s commitment: “We’re proud to offer our nation’s warfighters the overmatch capability that comes with superior night vision systems. Our customers depend on our ability to reliably produce image intensification tubes and night vision systems that are intuitive, lightweight, and packed with utility for any mission. With our expansion in Roanoke County, we’re demonstrating our commitment to innovating now and in the future.”
Headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, Elbit America provides products and services across defense, homeland security, law enforcement, commercial aviation, and medical instrumentation sectors throughout the United States.
Roanoke County Board of Supervisors Chair David Radford called it “a tremendous win for Roanoke County and a testament to our thriving business climate,” noting that “this $30 million investment and the creation of new jobs demonstrate Elbit America’s confidence in our community and our shared commitment to fostering economic growth and opportunity across the county.”
Phil North, Vice Chair of Roanoke County Board of Supervisors and Hollins District Representative added: “We’re proud to see Elbit America continue to grow in the Hollins District. This project adds momentum to the revitalization of the Plantation Road corridor and shows how strong partnerships between business and local government can create lasting benefits for our community. Elbit America’s continued investment reinforces the value of doing business in Roanoke County.”
John Hull, Executive Director of Roanoke Regional Partnership said: “Elbit America’s continued investment in Roanoke County underscores the region’s long history of supporting the nation’s defense through advanced manufacturing and innovation. For decades, companies in the Roanoke Region and surrounding areas have contributed to the technologies that keep our service members safe. This expansion builds on that legacy, bringing new jobs, investment, and opportunity to our community.”
Delegate Joseph McNamara expressed his support: “I am thrilled that Elbit America has chosen to expand their presence in Roanoke County. Elbit America and their predecessors have provided high-quality jobs while supporting the United States and our allies.”
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership collaborated with local partners to secure this project for Virginia. Governor Youngkin approved a $1.2 million grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund as well as a $300,000 performance-based grant from the Virginia Investment Performance Grant program.
Job creation by Elbit America will be supported through state-funded programs such as the Virginia Jobs Investment Program (VJIP), which helps companies recruit new employees by reducing human resource costs related to hiring and training.
