Ferguson to Invest $82.8 Million to Expand Headquarters

Governor Terry McAuliffe announced that Ferguson, the largest plumbing wholesaler in the U.S., will invest $82.8 million to expand its headquarters operation in the City of Newport News. The company will create an additional campus at City Center at Oyster Point for its information technology (IT) workforce and other corporate functions. Virginia successfully competed against several states in the Central and Pacific time zones for the project, which will retain more than 1,000 jobs and create 434 new jobs.

“Ferguson’s decision to expand its headquarters operation in the City of Newport News, retaining over 1,000 jobs and creating 434 new, quality jobs, is a major victory for the Hampton Roads region and the Commonwealth of Virginia,” said Governor McAuliffe, speaking at the event. “This global company dominates the plumbing industry and has been an exceptional corporate steward in Newport News for more than 60 years. We couldn’t be prouder that Ferguson calls the Commonwealth home, and we thank the company for its continued investment and for contributing to our ongoing efforts to diversify and build the new Virginia economy.”

“Ferguson’s significant headquarters expansion is transformational for Newport News and Virginia, again demonstrating the Commonwealth’s ability to successfully compete for major projects,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Todd Haymore. “This industry leader is a critical employer, with nearly 3,000 Virginians working at its operations and showrooms in almost every region of the Commonwealth. Ferguson is a true Virginia success story, and we look forward to the next chapter of partnership and success.”

“We’re pleased that Ferguson will grow the footprint of its North American Headquarters in Newport News,” said McKinley L. Price, DDS, Mayor of Newport News. “This expansion will stimulate opportunities beneficial to both the company as well as our community.”

Ferguson has a diverse distribution base spanning multiple businesses including HVAC, waterworks, fire protection and industrial. Founded in 1953, Ferguson has grown from a local distributor to a $13.8 billion dollar company with more than 1,400 locations and over 23,000 associates nationwide.

“Ferguson is deeply rooted in the Commonwealth and we are proud to call Virginia home for more than 60 years,” said Ferguson CEO Frank Roach. “We are excited to further invest in the City of Newport News which allows us to retain more than 1,000 existing jobs and create 434 new jobs for the region. Thank you to Governor Terry McAuliffe, The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, and the City of Newport News and the Economic Development Authority for their partnership and unwavering support. We look forward to continued growth and success in the Hampton Roads region.

“Ferguson isn’t just a multi-national corporation, it’s a “hometown” company that employs many of our citizens,” said Florence G. Kingston, Director of Newport News Department of Development. “The jobs created by this expansion will provide a boost for our workforce and our local economy.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the City of Newport News to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McAuliffe approved a $2 million grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist the City with the project. The company is eligible to receive state benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, and funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.

“Ferguson’s legendary dedication to the Peninsula spans more than six decades,”said Senator Monty Mason. “I am excited that Ferguson will not only keep their corporate headquarters in Newport News, but will also bring hundreds of new jobs to the area. This is how we build a sustainable economic future for the Peninsula.”

“I am pleased to see that our hard work in the General Assembly, making Virginia a business-friendly state, has resulted in Ferguson Enterprises deciding to expand its business in Newport News,” said Delegate David Yancey. “This is why I believe that reducing regulations and keeping taxes low will help to continue business growth like this, and that is what I fight for in the General Assembly.”