2009.09.29
Montgomery Co. has lured defense technology firm
A defense technology firm will relocate from Roanoke to Blacksburg, Montgomery County has announced in a press release:
Cobham Sensor Systems will relocate its manufacturing, research and development operations from Roanoke to the Technology Manufacturing Building in the Blacksburg Industrial Park.
Cobham acquired M/A-COM’s defense business in 2008, including the Roanoke facility, and will lease 50,000-square-feet of office, laboratory and manufacturing space. The move is expected to bring 90 jobs to the facility with a total $7 million invested in its relocation and expansion over the coming 12 months.
“The Montgomery County Board of Supervisors is extremely pleased to see Cobham leasing space in this high-tech building,” said Board Chair Annette Perkins. “This is a first-class company with global operations. It is a great example of the high paying, targeted industries the County strives to attract.”
Cobham Defense Systems is a division of the British defense contractor Cobham plc, which generates more than $2.1 billion in annual sales and employs 12,000 people worldwide. This division develops and manufactures critical technology for the aerospace and defense industries.
It is also the world leader in advanced digital military vehicle tactical communications systems, soldier situation awareness and integrated navigation management tools.
“With the leasing of this fantastic facility, Cobham is relocating its operations from the ITT Building in Roanoke,” said Greg Caires, Vice President Media Relations. “This expansion in the Greater Roanoke and New River Valley Regions will enable Cobham to retain all of our operations in the region and allow opportunities for future growth.”
