W.Va. gives Northrop Grumman economic incentives to expand Allegany Ballistics Laboratory

News Release
April 3, 2019

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Gov. Jim Justice announced today an expansion of the Northrop Grumman plant in Rocket Center, W.Va., supplemented by economic incentives by the State of West Virginia, that will retain more than 1,100 jobs and create up to 500 more jobs at their Mineral County location over a five year period.

“Northrop Grumman’s continued commitment to investing in West Virginia is incredible news,” Justice said. “They are truly a world-class organization and a wonderful partner for our state. Their decision to expand the Rocket Center facility affirms what I’ve been saying all along, that West Virginia is the perfect place to do business.”

Multiple expansion projects are expected to enlarge the capabilities of the Allegany Ballistics Laboratory previously operated by aerospace and defense company Orbital ATK in Rocket Center. Northrop Grumman recently acquired Orbital ATK for $9.2 billion.

“Our Rocket Center team has engineered and manufactured technologies to support our military for more than 70 years,” said Mike Kahn, vice president and general manager, defense systems, Northrop Grumman. “We are extremely pleased that the State of West Virginia will be supporting investments in both infrastructure and in our workforce to ensure we can continue to deliver the capacity and cutting-edge technology that our military services need to execute their missions for many years to come.”

“West Virginia has the workforce, business climate and infrastructure that manufacturers need to be successful, and this announcement shows that Northrop Grumman recognizes that value,” said Ed Gaunch, Secretary, West Virginia Department of Commerce. “The Department of Commerce is committed to working nonstop to help businesses located here succeed on the global manufacturing stage.”

Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company, providing systems, products and solutions in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, space, strike, and logistics and modernization. It is also the largest defense contractor and third largest manufacturing employer in West Virginia.

“We appreciate the opportunity to work in tandem with Northrop Grumman to generate jobs and expand their investment in West Virginia,” said Mike Graney, executive director of the West Virginia Development Office. “At the end of the day, the economic development impact and their decision is a testament to the value, hard work and commitment of their employees and the local support they receive from the surrounding communities.”