Naval Nuclear Fuel Division to add 320 jobs in Campbell County
Richmond - Governor Jim Gilmore today announced that BWX Technologies, Inc., a defense contractor, will expand its Naval Nuclear Fuel Division in Campbell County. The company will create 320 jobs over the next three years through a $41.1 million investment. Virginia successfully competed with Georgia, Tennessee, Washington and Idaho for the expansion.
"BWX Technologies has been a successful enterprise and major employer for many years in the Commonwealth," Governor Gilmore said. "This announcement reconfirms our state as an ideal location for defense contractors to succeed and grow. The expansion creates hundreds of great opportunities for Virginians to gain high paying jobs with a well-respected company."
BWX Technologies is a subsidiary of McDermott International Inc. The company is Campbell County's largest employer and compensates its employees with an average salary of $17.96 per hour. For four decades, the Naval Nuclear Fuel Division (NNFD) near Lynchburg has supplied the U.S. Navy's nuclear fleet with products of unquestioned reliability. The Department of Energy also relies on NNFD's reputation for precision fabrication in the design, engineering, and production of advanced energy concepts and superconducting magnet systems. The division is the domestic supplier of plate-type research reactor fuel elements for colleges, universities, and national laboratories.
"We appreciate Campbell County assisting BWXT in developing this opportunity for BWXT, the county and the state," said James A. (Buddy) Conner, Vice President and General Manager of BWXT's Naval Nuclear Fuel Division. "This will provide an incentive for business development along the U.S. 460 corridor as well as ultimately allowing residents to have access to county water services."
Governor Gilmore approved a grant from the Governor's Opportunity Fund in the amount of $485,000 to assist Campbell County with site preparation. BWX Technologies also qualified to receive $500,000 from the Virginia Investment Partnership program. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, Region 2000 and Campbell County assisted BWX Technologies with its decision. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide workforce training services.
"Existing industry continues to be a driving force for Virginia's job growth," said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Barry E. DuVal. "BWX Technologies is an outstanding citizen in Region 2000 and this expansion will provide valuable employment opportunities for 320 Virginians."
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