Maritime fabrication company will more than quadruple its facility space, create 15 advanced manufacturing jobs and expand apprenticeship opportunities
RICHMOND, Va. — Wilson Pipe & Fabrication will invest $3.5 million to more than quadruple its Norfolk operations and create 15 advanced manufacturing jobs.
The expansion will increase the company’s capacity to serve government and commercial customers while strengthening the maritime manufacturing workforce in Hampton Roads. Eight of the 15 new positions will be trainee and apprenticeship roles supported by on-the-job instruction.
“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,” Gov. Abigail Spanberger said.
“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.”
Norfolk Expansion Supports Maritime and Defense Industries
Founded in 2016 by Hampton Roads native Brandon Wilson, Wilson Pipe & Fabrication provides pipefitting, welding and fabrication services for projects in:
- Shipbuilding
- Ship repair
- Energy infrastructure
- Commercial marine operations
- Industrial and defense markets
The company’s team includes master technicians and graduates of industry apprenticeship programs. Wilson Pipe performs work under American Welding Society, Naval Sea Systems Command and American Bureau of Shipping welding standards.
“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,” Wilson Pipe founder and CEO Brandon Wilson said.
“A larger footprint means a larger workforce will be required. We are committed to accomplishing this by creating high-level jobs and bringing in and training entry-level employees.”
Eight New Positions Will Include Apprenticeship Training
Wilson is a graduate of Newport News Shipbuilding’s apprentice program and has committed to expanding the skilled-trades training model that helped launch his career.
Eight of the company’s 15 new positions will be structured as trainee and apprenticeship opportunities. New employees will receive hands-on instruction designed to build technical skills, support advancement and create long-term career pathways in advanced manufacturing.
“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,” Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade Carrie H. Chenery said.
“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.”
Homegrown Company Deepens Investment in Norfolk
Norfolk Mayor Kenneth C. Alexander said the company’s growth will reinforce the city’s position in advanced manufacturing and workforce development.
“Norfolk is proud to support Wilson Pipe & Fabrication as they expand their footprint and deepen their investment in our city,” Alexander said.
“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.”
Sen. Angelia Williams Graves said the project will create jobs while opening additional pathways into skilled-trades careers through apprenticeships 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,” Williams Graves said.
Delegate Jackie Hope Glass described the expansion as an example of locally driven economic development.
“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,” Glass said.
Virginia Jobs Investment Program Supports Hiring and Training
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the City of Norfolk to secure the expansion.
VEDP will support Wilson Pipe’s hiring and training activities through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program. The state-funded program provides consulting services and financial assistance to qualifying companies creating jobs.
VJIP is designed to reduce the recruitment and training costs associated with new and expanding businesses while increasing employment opportunities for Virginia residents.
