Governor Spanberger Secures $3.5 Million Investment by Wilson Pipe & Fabrication to Quadruple Footprint in Norfolk

RICHMOND, VA - Governor Abigail Spanberger today announced that Wilson Pipe & Fabrication - a structural and piping system fabrication company with more than 50 years of combined technical expertise - will invest $3.5 million to meet rising demand from government and commercial clients. Through the investment, Wilson will more than quadruple their facility space and create 15 new advanced manufacturing positions in Norfolk, expanding the regional manufacturing workforce pipeline.

"Wilson Pipe & Fabrication's expansion is a strong example of how Virginia companies are growing to meet demand in industries critical to our economy and our national security," said Governor Abigail Spanberger. "This investment will create new advanced manufacturing jobs in Norfolk, strengthen Hampton Roads' maritime and industrial workforce, and expand apprenticeship opportunities that help Virginians build long-term careers in the skilled trades. We are proud to support Wilson Pipe as it grows its footprint and doubles down on its investment in Virginia."

Governor Spanberger recently celebrated Virginia's rise to #3 in CNBC's "America's Top States for Business" rankings, reflecting a strong business climate that continues to attract high-caliber companies to the Commonwealth. Since taking office, Governor Spanberger has announced more than $5 billion in new business investment and more than 3,200 new jobs across the Commonwealth.

"As demand grows across the maritime and industrial defense sector, companies like Wilson Pipe & Fabrication are helping strengthen the supply chains and skilled workforce that keep Virginia competitive," said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Carrie H. Chenery. "By investing in additional facility space and creating trainee and apprenticeship positions, Wilson Pipe is preparing the next generation of skilled workers for high-demand, lifelong careers. We look forward to seeing Wilson Pipe continue to grow and create opportunity in the Commonwealth."

Founded by Hampton Roads native Brandon Wilson in 2016, Wilson Pipe specializes in pipefitting, welding and fabrication services for ship repair, shipbuilding, and energy infrastructure sector projects. Led by master technicians and industry apprentice program graduates, the company delivers high-level performance within the criteria of AWS, NAVSEA, and ABS welding programs.

"Investing in a larger footprint will allow us to increase our advanced manufacturing capabilities as well as enhance our ability to support both the defense and private marine sectors," said Wilson Pipe Founder and CEO Brandon Wilson. "A larger footprint means a larger workforce will be required. We are committed to accomplishing this by creating high level jobs as well as bringing in and training entry level employees."

As a Newport News Shipyard apprentice graduate, Wilson has committed to expanding the skilled trades training program that launched his career. Eight of the company's 15 new positions will be trainee and apprenticeship roles, with on-the-job training provided after hiring. The approach enhances workers' skills, creates opportunities for advancement, and establishes long-term career pathways.

"Norfolk is proud to support Wilson Pipe & Fabrication as they expand their footprint and deepen their investment in our city. Their growth strengthens Norfolk's leadership in advanced manufacturing and workforce development," said Norfolk Mayor Kenneth C. Alexander. "This homegrown company's commitment to training and long-term career pathways reflects the best of Norfolk's workforce and the future we're building together."

"It is especially exciting to see a Norfolk-based company grow, reinvest in our city, and create new opportunities for our residents," said Senator Angelia Williams Graves. "Wilson Pipe & Fabrication's $3.5 million expansion is not only creating jobs, but also opening doors to careers in the skilled trades through apprenticeship and on-the-job training. These are the types of investments that strengthen our workforce, create pathways to economic mobility, and ensure Hampton Roads remains a leader in the maritime and advanced manufacturing industries. I congratulate Brandon Wilson and the entire Wilson Pipe team on this next chapter of growth."

"This is what economic development should look like: a Norfolk-grown company investing back into Norfolk, creating good-paying jobs, and opening doors for people to learn a trade and build a career," said Delegate Jackie Hope Glass. "Wilson Pipe's expansion strengthens our maritime economy and gives more people a real pathway into the skilled workforce that keeps Hampton Roads moving."

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the City of Norfolk to secure the project for Virginia and will support Wilson Pipe's job creation through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program (VJIP), which provides consultative services and funding to companies creating new jobs in order to support employee recruitment and training activities. As a business incentive supporting economic development, VJIP reduces the human resource costs of new and expanding companies. VJIP is state funded, demonstrating Virginia's commitment to enhancing job opportunities for citizens.