A diverse base of industries comprise the Virginia Peninsula – from the seafood industry of Poquoson, the present and historical base of the aerospace industry of Hampton and the shipbuilding and advanced research businesses of Newport News to tourism in York and James City counties. Economic development opportunities remain poised for growth, attracting new businesses, industries and employees. Unmatched educational institutions, superior health care, strategic location, significant scientific research and technological opportunities and an overall great quality of life are additional factors that are attractive to those inquiring about relocation and/or expansion on the Peninsula.
Military
The impact of military presence on the Virginia Peninsula is exceedingly significant, as the military contributes to over 40 percent of this region’s economy. Hampton Roads is one of the nation’s largest concentrations of military personnel. Joint Base Langley-Eustis at Langley AFB in Hampton is the oldest continuously active air base in the country and is home to the 1st Fighter Wing and the headquarters of the Air Combat Command. The JBLE stretches over 2,900 acres and houses 8,800 military personnel and 2,600 civilian employees. The 800-acre NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton is a major research and development facility focusing on aeronautics, science, space exploration and space operations. Fort Monroe, now a U.S. Park Service National Monument, which is positioned on the southeastern tip of the Peninsula, is the former home of the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, which recently moved to JBLE at Fort Eustis. The Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, U.S. Coast Guard Training Center and the Supervisor of Shipbuilding are also part of the military presence on the Peninsula.
Newport News Shipbuilding
For over 130 years, Newport News Shipbuilding has carried on the legacy of American shipbuilding, building some of the most famous ships in American naval history with a diverse workforce of craftsmen and engineers. The company builds U.S. Navy aircraft carriers and submarines and provide aftermarket services for both.
Newport News Shipbuilding is the sole designer, builder and refueler of U.S. Navy aircraft carriers and one of two providers of U.S. Navy submarines. With approximately $4 billion in revenues and more than 20,000 employees, it is the largest industrial employer in Virginia and the largest shipbuilding company in the United States.
They build the most advanced ships in the world using their expertise in nuclear propulsion, naval design and manufacturing. They are currently building the new Ford-class aircraft carriers and Virginia-class fast-attack submarines and performing Refueling and Complex Overhaul on Nimitz-class aircraft carriers. They also provide fleet services for their ships worldwide.
Founded as the Chesapeake Dry Dock and Construction Co. in 1886, Newport News Shipbuilding has built more than 800 ships, including both naval and commercial ships. Located in Newport News, Va., the facilities span more than 550 acres, strategically positioned in one of the great harbors of the East Coast.
Ferguson Enterprises
Ferguson raises the bar for industry standards as the top-rated wholesale supplier of commercial and residential plumbing supplies. However, their expertise goes beyond plumbing. They are a diverse distributor that spans multiple businesses including HVAC/R, waterworks and industrial. In the past 64 years, Ferguson has grown from a local distributor to a $15 billion-dollar company with more than 1,400 locations and over 24,000 associates nationwide. They pride themselves on delivering world-class service and their customers know that “Nobody expects more from us than we do” is more than just a tagline to Ferguson associates. It’s a cultural belief that is demonstrated every day through exceptional customer service, product selection and industry knowledge.
Canon Virginia, Inc
Canon Virginia, Inc. located in Newport News, Virginia, is a global manufacturer for Canon’s office and consumer products. Their innovative and efficient production methods along with their environmental commitment make them a leading global manufacturer. Since opening its doors in 1985, Canon Virginia has provided world-class manufacturing services.
With a capital investment of more than $700 million, five facilities, 2 million square feet of floor space and 2,000 dedicated employees, Canon Virginia has brought Canon’s world class manufacturing ›
to the United States. Their expansion in 2009 added a new state-of-the art facility that incorporates the latest in high-speed automated manufacturing technology to produce cartridges for laser printers. As Canon’s domestic manufacturing facility, Canon Virginia has manufactured millions of Canon copiers, printers and cartridges. They continue to manufacture cartridges and other Canon accessories, as well as provide reverse manufacturing services for Canon copiers, printers and cameras.
Liebherr
Liebherr is a family-owned company and a leading global manufacturer of products and services for the earthmoving, construction and mining sectors, as well as refrigeration and freezing products for residential and commercial use. Their product range also includes aerospace and transportation systems, cranes, machine tools, automation systems and high-performance components for mechanical, hydraulic and electrical drive and control technology. Liebherr’s commitment to the United States market began in 1970 with the construction of two manufacturing facilities and their North American headquarters in Newport News, Virginia. The Liebherr Group currently employs more than 42,000 people at over 130 companies, with a presence in 50 countries and on every continent. Their holding company, Liebherr-International AG, is based in Bulle, Switzerland.
Arconic Hampton
Arconic Hampton develops and manufacture high-performance, engineered products and solutions for the aerospace, industrial gas turbine, commercial transportation and oil and gas markets. EP&S offers unique, comprehensive capabilities, from advanced alloy and 3-D printing powder development to advanced manufacturing and qualification expertise.
Their global footprint of manufacturing and R&D facilities are strategically located adjacent to customer clusters and in low-cost regions. Their three business units are built on market leadership in aero engine and industrial gas turbine components, aero structures, and high-tech fastening systems.
Supporting our Businesses
The Virginia Peninsula business community is unique and diverse, and the Chamber continues to seek innovative ways to help satisfy the business community’s individual and collective needs. The Chamber takes great pride in attempting to find ways to assist each of its members, individually, and also finding ways to advocate for the business community as a whole. Ultimately, the objective is to facilitate opportunities that result in an overall better chance for success.
Members of the Chamber are offered internal and external advertising opportunities such as website, print, and social media, as well as other communication and advertising tools. Educational and informational seminars provided by the Chamber target members’ business needs.