GD deal broadens ship services business

General Dynamics Corp. is expanding its services to the Navy with the acquisition of Metro Machine Corp., a surface-ship repair company that supports the fleet in Norfolk, Va.

Terms of the cash transaction, which is expected to close in November, were not disclosed.

Metro Machine Corp. is a prime contractor in Norfolk for multi-ship, multi-option contracts for Navy combat and support ships including frigates, dock landing ships and amphibious transport ships, according to the General Dynamics announcement.

Metro Machine Corp., a private company with approximately 400 employees, has been conducting Navy ship repair and conversions since 1972. It will be integrated into the shipbuilding and repair operations of General Dynamics NASSCO, its business unit in San Diego.

General Dynamics, of Falls Church, Va., ranks No. 5 on Washington Technology’s 2011 Top 100 list of the largest federal government contractors.