From a press release issued by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership
Governor Ralph Northam today announced that Lyon Shipyard, a full-service ship repair and industrial service provider, will invest $24.4 million to expand its operation in the City of Norfolk. The company will add a new marine travel lift and increase the footprint of its waterfront dry dock. Virginia successfully competed with North Carolina for the project, which will create 119 new jobs.
"Lyon Shipyard has been an integral part of the thriving maritime economy in Hampton Roads for nearly a century," said Governor Northam. "The company’s continued investment and job creation in Norfolk is a powerful testament to the strength of the local workforce and the region as an international shipping hub. We are proud to support this expansion, and look forward to Lyon Shipyard’s future growth in our Commonwealth."
Established in 1928, Lyon Shipyard has over 93 years of continuous service in ship repair and industrial service. Lyon Shipyard has two facilities in Norfolk located on over 30 acres of prime waterfront property along the eastern branch of the Elizabeth River. The company supplies commercial and government customers with services including marine electronics repair, barge repair, and pier side repairs, as well as hauling vessels out of the water for underwater repairs to equipment such as propellers, tail shafts, and rudders. The company’s commercial customers include tug and barge operators, dredging and marine construction contractors, ferry and cruise ship operators, research vessels, and commercial fishing companies. Lyon’s government customers include the U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, the Coast Guard, Military Sealift Command, and the Maritime Administration.
"When we started exploring the expansion of the shipyard, other states reached out to us about a possible relocation," said George Lyon, president of Lyon Shipyard. "Due to the resources here in Virginia and the willingness of the city and the Commonwealth to help us with our plans, we came to the realization that Virginia was the place for Lyon Shipyard. We are excited to continue our story here in Norfolk."
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the City of Norfolk to secure the project for Virginia and will support Lyon Shipyard’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.
Photo courtesy of the Daily Press
