Elbit Systems to spend $30 million to expand Virginia night-vision goggles factory

Elbit Systems announced November 12 that it would expand its Roanoke County, Virginia, manufacturing location. The $30 million expansion, according to a joint press release with the governor’s office, will add 288 jobs to the site and increase production of Elbit’s low-light vision devices. According to the joint statement, the new jobs will bring Elbit’s total number of employees at the plant to over one thousand.

According to the governor’s office, Elbit will receive a $1.2 million grant from the Commonwealth Opportunity Fund and a performance-based grant of $300,000 from the Virginia Investment Performance Grant. The Virginia Jobs Investment Program will provide consulting and unspecified funding to support Elbit’s hiring goals at the location.

Elbit, headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, makes products for the defense, law enforcement, commercial aviation and medical instrumentation markets.

What people are saying

“Elbit America’s continued growth in Roanoke County strengthens America’s defense capabilities and supports our brave service members at home and abroad,” said Gov. Glenn Youngkin. “This expansion will create nearly 300 new jobs and increase production of the high-quality night vision systems our military relies on every day. With Virginia’s strategic location, business-friendly environment, and robust veteran workforce, Elbit America is poised for continued success and growth in the Commonwealth.” 

“We’re proud to offer our nation’s warfighters the overmatch capability that comes with superior night vision systems,” said Elbit America CEO Luke Savoie. “Our customers depend on our ability to reliably produce image intensification tubes and night vision systems that are intuitive, lightweight, and packed with utility for any mission. With our expansion in Roanoke County, we’re demonstrating our commitment to innovating now and in the future.”

“Elbit America’s massive investment in Roanoke County shows that Virginia workers are committed to supporting America’s armed services from the factory to the front lines,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Juan Pablo Segura. “By moving at the speed of business, the Commonwealth is helping ensure the companies that keep our military safe are continuing to grow and invest in Virginia.” 

Manufacturers investing in Virginia

CEL Critical Power electronics manufacturer to spend $5.2 million on new Virginia plant
The company manufactures low-voltage power distributers, switchgear equipment and power panels.

Merck breaks ground on $3 billion Virginia plant
The new plant is part of the pharma giant’s push to spend $70 billion in the U.S.

AstraZeneca increases stake, breaks ground on $4.5 billion Virginia pharmaceutical plant
The new factory will produce cancer treatments as well as GLP-1 weight control medicine.

Investing in American manufacturing in 2025 

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