NFIB Norfolk ship repair contractor business invests to expand business and jobs
Governor Glenn Youngkin visited NFIB member Advanced Integrated Technologies (AIT) in Norfolk to make a special announcement: the ship repair contractor for the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard in North America, will invest $500,000 to expand in the City of Norfolk. AIT will increase capacity at its location in the Norfolk Industrial Park to serve recent government contract awards from the U.S. Department of Defense. Virginia successfully competed with California and Pennsylvania for the project, which will create 76 new jobs.
Gov. Glenn Yougkin poses with NFIB members Cheryl and Carl Spraberry, President and CEO of AIT.
“I am so excited to announce that AIT will be expanding our Virginia footprint to restimulate the local workforce and talent pool while providing more capabilities to service our war fighting ships,” said Cheryl Spraberry, AIT’s President. “In 2022, we invested in equipment to launch our new fabrication and machining division and our in-house welding school to prepare and train our current employees, as well as our newest capability of starting an NDT Lab in 2023-2024. These new capabilities will allow AIT to continue to control its own destiny while creating jobs from local talent in our enterprise zone. Our team is truly humbled by this new partnership with the City of Norfolk and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, and I look forward to continuing to grow our business and provide a family-oriented environment to our future workforce.”
Spraberry says she used to have dozens of people show up at her door looking for work. However, with limited funding available for training, the high cost of health care and the minimum wage increase, she’s seen that number drop to zero. Sprayberry is trying to find innovative ways to employ people from her community. Her investment is the seed that she hopes will help fill the dozens of job openings she would like to fill at AIT.
Gov. Youngkin meets with staff members of AIT, along with NFIB member and President Cheryl Spraberry.
Advanced Integrated Technologies (AIT) is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business headquartered in the Norfolk Industrial Park centered around the major military bases and shipyards. Established in 2009, AIT’s production capabilities support a full spectrum of repair, overhaul, alteration, and maintenance for virtually every shipboard system. Its management team understands the complex requirements of government contract management, and coupled with AIT’s quality assurance processes, safety, and environmental adherence, all projects exceed the most stringent of government regulations. Excellent service, competitive pricing, and meticulous attention to detail make AIT a ship repair leader in the industry. AIT is a family-owned business that partners with the local community and participates in supporting local business and charities. In addition to providing ship repair and maintenance services, AIT also houses a machining and fabrication division, as well as in-house welding capabilities.
NFIB member Cheryl Spraberry gives Gov. Youngkin a tour of AIT.
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the City of Norfolk to secure the project for Virginia and will support AIT’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, retention and training. 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. Additionally, the company is eligible to receive state benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development.
Gov. Youngkin speaks to employees of AIT during his tour.
