Yes, Virginia, it’s official: Northrop Grumman HQ to commonwealth

Northern Virginia will be the new corporate home of Northrop Grumman Corp., according to a joint announcement by Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell and Wes Bush, Northrop chief executive officer and president.

The giant defense contractor “will relocate its corporate headquarters from Los Angeles to Virginia, creating 300 new jobs in the commonwealth,” according to the announcement posted on the governor’s official website.

The statement did not say which of three candidate sites –in Arlington, Fairview Park in Falls Church and Alexandria – had been selected. But the Washington Post today cited unnamed real estate brokers and a state government source as saying they expect the Fairview Park site will be selected because of its proximity to current Northrop facilities in Tysons Corner and Arlington.

McDonnell could announce that decision when he makes an appearance Tuesday afternoon at Northrop’s Rosslyn facilities in Arlington.

“The foremost priority of our administration is creating new jobs and getting our economy back on track. Today’s announcement that Northrop Grumman, a Fortune 100 company, is moving to Virginia is a major step forward in this effort,” McDonnell said in the statement.

“To gain the corporate headquarters of one of the largest global security contractors in the world is a testament to the strong business climate that we are focused on continually improving,” he said. “This administration will keep taxes and regulations and litigation at a minimum to attract job-creators from around the world to our state to ensure more new opportunities for all Virginians.”

"We are pleased to have identified Virginia as the home for our new corporate office. Virginia, Maryland and the District put forward compelling, competitive offers. Our final decision was driven largely by facility considerations, proximity to our customers, and overall economics," Bush said in the statement.

“We look forward to opening our new corporate office next year,” he added.