RICHMOND, VA — Governor Abigail Spanberger today announced Walashek Industrial & Marine, Inc. — a leading provider of maritime boiler repair and maintenance for military and civilian vessels — will expand its operations in Norfolk, creating 40 new jobs in the Commonwealth. In addition to expanding boiler support capacity, the investment will allow Walashek to bring LCAC hovercraft maintenance and modernization capabilities to the region. “Walashek Industrial & Marine’s expansion in Norfolk is a strong vote of confidence in Virginia’s maritime economy and the skilled workforce that supports it,” said Governor Abigail Spanberger. “For nearly four decades, Walashek has served critical military, government, and commercial customers from its home in the Commonwealth. This investment will create 40 new jobs, strengthen Hampton Roads’ role as a hub for ship repair and maritime innovation, and help make sure Virginia remains a national leader in supporting the U.S. Navy and maritime industries.” “As demand grows for the specialized services that keep military and commercial vessels mission-ready, Virginia is well-positioned to help companies like Walashek Industrial & Marine scale quickly and effectively,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Carrie Chenery. “Through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program, the Commonwealth is proud to support Walashek as it expands its Norfolk operations, modernizes key capabilities, and creates good jobs for Virginians.” “We are thrilled and honored to be selected for the Virginia Jobs Investment Program through the Virginia Economic Development Partnership,” said Walashek President and CEO Steve Coughlin. “This award will significantly support our expansion efforts and help us continue to create high-quality jobs in Hampton Roads. This investment reflects our commitment to the community and our dedication to driving economic growth in Virginia. We are excited about the opportunities this will bring to both our company and the local workforce.” Founded in 1986, Walashek Industrial & Marine is a family-owned business that has grown into a recognized leader in boiler repair and steam-system services across both the industrial and maritime sectors. Walashek provides a comprehensive range of ship-repair and marine engineering services to a diverse customer base, including the U.S. Navy, Military Sealift Command, U.S. Maritime Administration, U.S. Coast Guard, National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, and commercial shipping operators. Within the industrial sector, Walashek provides specialized repair, maintenance, and technical services to customers such as power-generation facilities, chemical plants, and commercial buildings that rely on steam for critical operations.
Headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia, Walashek also maintains operational and maintenance facilities in California, Washington, Alabama, South Carolina, and Rhode Island, providing the company with a geographically diverse presence and the ability to support customers nationwide as well as globally.
Walashek is undertaking the largest expansion of its Norfolk headquarters since the company’s founding, with plans to increase its Norfolk-based workforce by approximately 40 employees over the next three years. This represents an estimated 150% increase in the Norfolk workforce and reflects Walashek’s continued commitment to supporting its U.S. Navy customers and expanding its regional capabilities.
The expansion is being driven in part by the company’s anticipated support of the multiyear LHD boiler support contract awarded by NAVSEA in February 2026 as well as the planned expansion of Walashek’s established LCAC support program from its San Diego, California, operation into the Norfolk market at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek–Fort Story. In total, the expansion represents an estimated $5 million investment in Walashek’s Norfolk operations, including workforce growth, facility expansion, infrastructure improvements, and associated equipment and capabilities.
“Walashek’s continued investment is great news for Norfolk and Hampton Roads’ maritime industrial base. Congratulations to the City of Norfolk and Walashek on this expansion, and we look forward to supporting their continued growth in the region,” said Hampton Roads Alliance President & CEO Doug Smith.
“Norfolk’s strength has always been rooted in the skilled men and women who power our maritime economy, and Walashek’s decision to expand here is a testament to that workforce and to our city’s strategic role in supporting the nation’s defense mission,” said City of Norfolk Mayor Kenneth Cooper Alexander. “This investment brings new jobs, strengthens critical ship repair and maintenance capabilities, and reinforces Norfolk’s position as a premier maritime hub. We are proud to support a company that continues to invest in our community and create opportunities for Norfolk families.” “Norfolk’s maritime industry is a cornerstone of both our regional economy and our national defense, and Walashek Industrial & Marine’s continued investment in our city reflects the strength of that sector,” said Senator Angelia Williams Graves. “This expansion will bring 40 new jobs to Norfolk while strengthening the skilled workforce and capabilities that support our Navy and maritime partners. I’m proud to see a company with deep roots in Norfolk choosing to grow here, invest here, and create more opportunities for the people who call our region home.” “Locally driven, state-funded investments like this are how we strengthen Hampton Roads, giving businesses like Walashek Industrial & Marine, Inc. the tools to grow, create jobs, and invest in the people who power our region,” said Delegate Jackie Hope Glass. “This is Virginia investing where it matters: in our communities, our workforce, and our economic future. We welcome and appreciate this expansion.” The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the City of Norfolk to secure the $102,000 investment for Virginia and will support Walashek’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 and training activities. 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. |
