Blue Ridge Advanced Manufacturing Center
Northrop Grumman in Waynesboro, Virginia
Welcome to the Future of Manufacturing
Northrop Grumman’s Blue Ridge Advanced Manufacturing Center, slated to open in 2026, will accelerate high-volume production for American warfighting and defense. From development to testing to rapid prototyping and full-scale production, this state-of-the-art facility will deliver advanced radars, communications antennas, and electronic warfare capabilities.
Located in Waynesboro, Virginia, this automated and secure manufacturing facility sits on 87 acres and spans approximately 315,000 square feet, with room to expand an additional 150,000 square feet in the future. At full capacity, more than 330 professionals, from production laborers to test operators to engineers, will converge to deliver the world’s most advanced RF technologies to protect our national security.
About Blue Ridge Advanced Manufacturing Center
Speed & Scale
315,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing space with flexible production lines capable of rapidly meeting high-volume demands.
Digital Design & Advanced Manufacturing
Smart Factory tools, AI, AR and additive manufacturing optimize processes.
Performance and Efficiency
Cutting-edge testing, rapid prototyping and scalable innovation, all in one facility.
Strategic Partnerships
We partner with companies like Palantir, ESAero, and NVDIA along with a resilient supply chain of nearly 12,000 U.S.-based suppliers.
You'll Love Working in Waynesboro
Waynesboro, Virginia, offers career opportunities and a rewarding quality of life. Nestled in the Shenandoah Valley, this growing community is a unique hub for professionals looking for small town charm and a low cost of living.
At Northrop Grumman’s Waynesboro facility, our teams work on innovative projects in engineering, manufacturing and logistics. Whether you're solving complex technical challenges, enhancing production processes, or leveraging advanced technologies to improve efficiency, Waynesboro offers a variety of career paths where you can make an impact. Here, you’ll experience a dynamic and collaborative workplace while enjoying all this region has to offer.
Life in Waynesboro
Living and working in Waynesboro means enjoying stunning natural landscapes and a vibrant community. Explore Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive for hiking, biking and panoramic scenic views.
The growing arts scene adds vibrancy to the city. Downtown streets are alive with public art, from the colorful murals of the Virginia Street Arts Festival and the Waynesboro Street Arts Trail to exhibitions at local galleries and museums. Small businesses, farmers’ markets, wineries and breweries showcase the region’s creative culinary talent and entrepreneurial spirit.
Waynesboro also offers easy access to nearby destinations like Charlottesville, Richmond, Williamsburg, Jamestown and Harrisonburg, making it perfect for day trips or weekend getaways. Surrounded by natural beauty, Waynesboro provides a well-rounded lifestyle for professionals and families alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Blue Ridge Advanced Manufacturing Center open?
When will the Blue Ridge Advanced Manufacturing Center open?
The Blue Ridge Advanced Manufacturing Center is slated for completion in 2026.
What are some discriminating manufacturing technologies at the Blue Ridge Advanced Manufacturing Center?
What are some discriminating manufacturing technologies at the Blue Ridge Advanced Manufacturing Center?
We are deploying cutting-edge manufacturing technologies and embracing systems-level planning to revolutionize how we build, secure, and deliver mission-critical systems. Key focus areas include:
- Additive Manufacturing
- Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality
- Digital Twin
- Artificial Intelligence
- Machine Learning
- Smart Factories and Industry 4.0
- Automation
- Cybersecurity
These technologies help reduce lead times, material waste and errors, while enhancing training, assembly, maintenance, efficiency, quality control, factory performance, and data protection.
What will be produced at the Blue Ridge Advanced Manufacturing Center?
What will be produced at the Blue Ridge Advanced Manufacturing Center?
Blue Ridge Advanced Manufacturing Center will manufacture a wide range of advanced electronics. From development to testing to rapid prototyping, and full-scale production, this state-of-the-art facility will deliver radars, communications antennas, and electronic warfare capabilities. Our modular, flexible assembly lines are designed to scale and adapt efficiently, delivering world-class defense solutions with the speed, agility, and reliability our customers expect. This innovative approach not only meets high-performance standards but also achieves an approximate 20% reduction in recurring costs, ensuring exceptional value and operational excellence.
How does the Blue Ridge Advanced Manufacturing Center support Northrop Grumman’s mission?
How does the Blue Ridge Advanced Manufacturing Center support Northrop Grumman’s mission?
The Blue Ridge Advanced Manufacturing Center is directly supporting our mission to deliver survivable, secure, precise, and resilient systems to our customers. By producing products domestically, we eliminate reliance on foreign suppliers and support a U.S.-based supply chain in alignment with national security priorities. This facility enables Northrop Grumman to meet growing demands and maximize capacity and efficiency.
How does Northrop Grumman support career growth?
How does Northrop Grumman support career growth?
We provide clear career pathways, helping employees advance their skills and build long-term careers at Northrop Grumman. We invest in training and upskilling our people to equip them with the expertise to operate in a high-tech manufacturing environment, maintaining a strong talent pipeline.
Who We Are
Northrop Grumman solves the toughest problems in space, aeronautics, defense and cyberspace to meet the ever-evolving needs of our customers worldwide. Our 100,000 employees are Defining Possible every day using science, technology and engineering to create and deliver advanced systems, products and services.
Partnerships and Suppliers
Partnerships: Virginia Talent Accelerator Program / Virginia Economic Development Partnership
Suppliers: Corning Gilbert, RF Bullets, Intel, FPGAs, Laird, TIM Material, TTM, HDI PWBs, Tyco Eng., Fiber Optic Cables, NGAS, Radomes, Sypris, Power CCA, Remmel, Radiator Plates