SES, a global satellite connectivity and content provider, will consolidate offices in a new facility in Gainesville and establish its U.S. technology and operations hub.
The Prince William County Department of Economic Development competed with Maryland and Washington, D.C. for the project, which will create more than 200 new jobs and includes a $17 million investment from SES to expand its operations.
“Congratulations to Prince William County and the Commonwealth of Virginia for landing the technology and operations hub of a high-tech company and the jobs of the future SES brings to our community,” said Senator Mark Warner (D-VA). “Our state continues to be one of the best in the nation for growing and expanding businesses in a competitive national market.”
Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Prince William County to secure Virginia’s project, including Governor Ralph Northam approving a $500,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist Prince William County with the project.
The new office will be located at 8050 Piney Branch Lane.
“As an Information Communications Technology (ICT) government contractor, SES’s technology and operations hub expansion in Prince William County aligns with our county’s strategic plan and targeted industry growth,” said Christina Winn, the county’s economic development director. “I feel confident that SES considered our strong incentive package and access to a highly-skilled workforce as critical components in their site selection decision-making.”
SES is eligible to receive benefits from the Major Business Facility Job Tax Credit for new, full-time jobs created. Funding and services to support SES employee recruitment and training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.
“We landed on the ideal location of Prince William County as it provides SES with the space to continue providing seamless services to our customers and aligns with our goal to deliver future-proof and innovative solutions for customers while adapting how we will work in a post-pandemic world,” said Steve Collar, CEO of SES. “With more people demanding dramatically more connectivity and data services for the foreseeable future, we will also be looking at engaging top talent across Virginia to grow our technology and global services teams in the coming months and would welcome candidates’ applications from the area.”
In the face of post-pandemic economic recovery, this news comes at a time when building business momentum is a top goal of the local government leadership.
“We are thrilled to see an international company like SES establish their U.S. technology and operations hub in Prince William County,” said Ann B. Wheeler, Chair of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors. “This expansion will create up to 200 new high-tech jobs over five years for our educated workforce and further support the implementation of technologies and infrastructure that will allow for uninterrupted connectivity in our community and beyond.”
“One of the top ten satellite companies in the world will be located not only in Prince William County but here in the Brentsville District,” said Jeanine M. Lawson, Brentsville District Supervisor. “Additionally, in electing to expand here, I am pleased that they have recognized the value of our workforce, land, and facilities. Having an industry leader like SES choose Prince William County will help build on our economic diversity and growth.”
