Area Development
Aerospace and defense contractor Raytheon Company will invest approximately $37.5 million to consolidate some of its northern Virginia operations to a single facility in Dulles, Virginia, according to the Virginia governor's office. The company will take over approximately 600,000 square feet in four buildings near Dulles International Airport that have been vacated by AOL. The move is expected to create approximately 100 new jobs in addition to the 1,500 that will be consolidated at the new facility. "Our decision to consolidate our offices brings many of our northern Virginia employees to a common location and provides an opportunity for greater Raytheon teamwork, collaboration, and creative thinking," says Tom Culligan, a Raytheon senior vice president. "We are confident that the move to Loudoun County will support our efforts to attract and retain a highly skilled work force in the Commonwealth." The move is expected to take place over the next year. The state has provided Raytheon with a $500,000 grant to assist with improving and upgrading roads near the area; the state will also provide training assistance.