ADP’s Search for a Central Service Center

A Growing Need

Automatic Data Processing Inc. (ADP), is a leading global technology company providing human capital management (HCM) solutions, designing better ways to work through cutting-edge products, premium services, and exceptional experiences that enable people to reach their full potential. 

In 2015, as this successful company continued to expand, they began exploring ways to centralize certain company operations in a single location.

Enter Virginia and the City of Norfolk.

Over the last few decades, Virginia has become one of North America’s premier locations for the tech sector. Thousands of tech firms and industry leaders have been attracted to the Commonwealth thanks to its diverse, world-class talent, exceptional quality of life, attractive business climate, and competitive costs. 

A Dynamic Downtown

ADP wanted a modern urban space that could accommodate its needs and attract a robust, skilled workforce, and Norfolk fit that bill.

With its walkable downtown, accessible public transportation, affordable housing, and entertainment options, Norfolk continues to attract top-tier talent. Known as the home of the world’s largest naval station, Norfolk also absorbs highly-skilled former members of the military into its workforce every year. Seven colleges and universities and four community colleges are within an hour’s drive of downtown, giving ADP direct access to new graduates who want to remain in the region.

Norfolk was also able to offer a competitively priced, state-of-the-art office building to accommodate ADP’s specific needs. This ideal space was located at 2 Commercial Place, just steps from the Harbor. The 300,000-sq.-ft. facility had the space and layout ADP officials envisioned for its regional customer service center. It was the perfect fit.

We chose to locate a new facility in Norfolk because of the thriving business climate in the city and Commonwealth. We have the opportunity to attract a diverse workforce that will make significant contributions to ADP and add value to the client experience. We look forward to building long-lasting relationships with the people of Norfolk and Virginia.

Debbie Dyson, President, National Account Services, ADP Inc. (2012–2022)

Norfolk Bound

In March 2016, ADP announced plans to invest $32.25 million to establish their regional customer service center in Norfolk. At the time, the investment was expected to create more than 1,800 new jobs.

An active and engaged member of the community, ADP has placed a significant emphasis on revitalizing Norfolk’s downtown area, providing job opportunities for local veterans, creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, and developing partnerships with nearby higher education institutions.

In 2020, one of these partnerships resulted in Old Dominion University (ODU) constructing a $500,000 technology lab that allows students to use ADP’s payroll, benefits, and human resource management software. This partnership provides students with the practical skills needed to enter the workforce quickly after graduation. ADP also partners with ODU on the ADP HCM Academy @ ODU, a collaboration with the university’s Strome College of Business that provides human resources training based on actual problems found in the industry.

ADP continues the trend of successful technology companies choosing Virginia for expansion and investment, emphasizing the Commonwealth’s continued suitability as a nationally renowned high-tech hub.