Wells Fargo Invests $87M, Amazon Creates 1,000+ Jobs In Virginia

“Virginia’s strengths in the supply chain sector are demonstrated by the ongoing expansion of Amazon fulfillment centers in the Commonwealth since 2006,” said Secretary Merrick. “The company’s growth in Virginia is a testament to the power of our workforce and strong business climate.”

In 2021, Amazon announced a robotics fulfillment center in Henrico County, which is anticipated to launch later this fall. Earlier this month, Amazon Web Services announced an $11 billion investment in Louisa County to establish two data center campuses in the county’s Technology Overlay District. In addition to the company’s Arlington headquarters, Amazon also has 15 Whole Foods Markets, 5 Amazon Fresh stores, and three Prime Now Hubs in Virginia Beach, Richmond, and Springfield.

“City leadership, stakeholders, and partners are thrilled Amazon is making such a significant investment in Virginia Beach,” said City of Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer. “Virginia Beach is the ideal location for Amazon operations facilities due to its strategic location to The Port of Virginia, accessibility, and available workforce. We welcome Amazon to the Virginia Beach community and look forward to a successful partnership.”

“In the past few years, Amazon has truly embraced the Hampton Roads community, opening facilities in multiple locations and quickly becoming one of the region’s major employers,” said Douglas L. Smith, President & CEO, Hampton Roads Alliance. “Today’s announcement marks yet another milestone in Amazon’s investment in and dedication to Hampton Roads.”

Ship Repair Facility To Expand In Norfolk

Lyon Shipyard, a full-service ship repair and industrial services provider, will invest $8.5 million to expand its operation in the City of Norfolk. The company plans to increase capacity to operate on commercial ships and vessels that service offshore wind farm operations. The company also considered Maryland and North Carolina for the project, which will create 134 new jobs.

“We are proud to call Norfolk, Virginia home. The support and partnership Lyon Shipyard receives from the Commonwealth of Virginia has been astonishing,” said Nikole Dunkley, Vice President, Human Resources, Lyon Shipyard. “Our upcoming expansion will allow Lyon Shipyard to hire an additional 134 employees. We want to be the change so many other companies just talk about — Lyon Shipyard wants to lead the charge and help transform the socioeconomical landscape for the City of Norfolk and its residents.”

The VEDP worked with the City of Norfolk and the Hampton Roads Alliance to secure the project for Virginia, and will support Lyon Shipyard’s job creation through the VJIP. The company is also eligible to receive benefits from the Port of Virginia Economic and Infrastructure Development Zone Grant Program.

“We express our gratitude to Lyon Shipyard for their ongoing commitment to Norfolk. As home to the world’s largest naval base, this significant expansion further solidifies our city’s position as a frontrunner in ship repair and fleet readiness,” said Norfolk Mayor Kenneth Cooper Alexander. “This endeavor is in harmony with our objective to bolster workforce development for our residents, paving the way for the creation of 134 highly sought-after skilled trade jobs.”

“The Hampton Roads Alliance congratulates Lyon Shipyard and the City of Norfolk on this announcement,” said Smith. “Lyon’s growth will create hundreds of well-paying jobs for our region and expands our regional capacity in two very important industries—defense and alternative energy. The Alliance stands ready to support Lyon Shipyard through our regional business retention and aftercare services.”

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“Lyon Shipyard is well-positioned to be a significant contributor to Virginia’s emerging offshore wind energy sector,” said Stephen A. Edwards, CEO and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority. “The offshore wind industry here will be enhanced with Lyon’s capabilities and expertise to succeed. This company is a great local resource, and this investment is going to help create jobs and drive the development of a new industry.”

Lyon Shipyard has two facilities in Norfolk located on over 30 acres of waterfront property along the eastern branch of the Elizabeth River. The company supplies commercial and government customers with services including marine electronics repair, barge repair, and pier side repairs, as well as hauling vessels out of the water for underwater repairs to equipment such as propellers, tail shafts, and rudders. The company’s commercial customers include tug and barge operators, dredging and marine construction contractors, ferry and cruise ship operators, research vessels, and commercial fishing companies. Lyon’s government customers include the U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, the Coast Guard, Military Sealift Command, and the Maritime Administration.

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