Posted by Heidi Schwartz
Bechtel Corporation, one of the world’s largest engineering, construction and project management companies, will invest $10 million to relocate its Frederick, MD operation to Fairfax County, VA as a result of global restructuring. The project will create 700 new jobs.
Speaking about the announcement, Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe said, “Bechtel Corporation relocated its Global Operations headquarters from Maryland to Fairfax County in 2011….This announcement further solidifies the company’s commitment to Virginia, and we are thrilled to see the operation grow and create high-value, diverse jobs. Ensuring that our corporate partners succeed and bring jobs of this caliber is critical for building a new Virginia economy, and Bechtel is an important part of our efforts.”
“From Virginia, Bechtel Corporation serves customers all over the world,” said Maurice Jones, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “This significant investment in Fairfax County is an important step in our efforts to diversify the engine of economic and job growth in the Commonwealth.”
Bechtel is among the most respected engineering, project management and construction companies in the world. Since its founding in 1898, Bechtel has worked on more than 25,000 projects in 160 countries on all seven continents. Today, its 58,000 colleagues team with customers, partners and suppliers on diverse projects in nearly 40 countries. The company’s corporate headquarters is in San Francisco, CA.
“Since relocating our global operational headquarters to Reston in 2011, we have enjoyed immense support from the business community of Fairfax County and the Commonwealth,” said Bechtel Chief Executive Officer Bill Dudley. “Reston has proven to be an ideal location for Bechtel. Conveniently situated between two airports, it facilitates international and domestic travel, which is key to our business, provides access to a highly skilled workforce, and offers an enjoyable work/life environment for our employees.” Dudley added that the company also considered Texas and Arizona.
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (EDA) to secure the project for Virginia. Gov. McAuliffe approved a $500,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Fairfax County with the project. The Governor also approved $4 million in funds from the Virginia Economic Development Incentive Grant (VEDIG). VEDIG was established as a self-funded program of performance-based incentives that the Commonwealth awards to exceptional economic development projects with large numbers of employees and very high wages relative to average wages for that particular area.
“This is the second time in less than four years that we have had the pleasure of announcing Bechtel’s job growth, which speaks volumes about the confidence the company has in Fairfax County as a business location,” said Gerald L. Gordon, Ph.D., President and CEO of the Fairfax County EDA. “Bechtel is a great corporate citizen, and we are delighted that the company can take advantage of the business assets and quality of life that the county offers.”
“Bechtel Corporation has already demonstrated itself as a great corporate citizen, and we look forward to the company’s continued expansion in Fairfax County,” said Delegate Kenneth Plum.
