DroneUp, a global leader in drone flight services innovation, will invest $27.2 million to expand its headquarters in Virginia Beach and establish a testing, training, and R&D center at Richard Bland College in Dinwiddie County, according to Governor Glenn Youngkin. This DroneUp $27.2M investment Virginia Beach initiative will generate 655 new jobs, with $7 million being funneled into expanding the Virginia Beach headquarters, creating 510 jobs and $20.2 million invested in the new center at Richard Bland College, creating 145 jobs. The company’s ambitious expansion also includes the establishment of three drone hubs at Walmart locations in Virginia this year, following a commercial services agreement with Walmart, Inc. to provide drone delivery services at 34 sites. The expansion is supported by several organizations, including the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission, and the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.
Announcement of Expansion
Governor Glenn Youngkin announced that DroneUp, LLC will invest $27.2 million to expand its headquarters in Virginia Beach and establish a testing, training, and R&D center at Richard Bland College in Dinwiddie County. This expansion will create 655 new jobs.
Investment Details
DroneUp will invest $7 million to expand its headquarters in Virginia Beach, creating 510 new jobs. Additionally, the company will invest $20.2 million to establish a new testing, training, and R&D center at Richard Bland College, creating 145 new jobs.
Partnership with Walmart
DroneUp plans to establish three drone hubs at Walmart locations in Virginia this year. The company recently announced a commercial services agreement with Walmart, Inc. to provide drone delivery services at 34 sites.
Quotes from Officials
Governor Glenn Youngkin, Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick, and other officials shared their thoughts on DroneUp’s expansion and the impact it will have on Virginia’s economy.
Community Responses
Virginia Beach Mayor Robert M. “Bobby” Dyer, Chairman Harrison A. Moody, and other community leaders expressed their excitement and support for DroneUp’s investment in their respective areas.
Partnerships and Support
Various organizations, including the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission, and the Virginia Jobs Investment Program, provided support and funding for DroneUp’s expansion.
About DroneUp
DroneUp, founded in 2016 by Tom Walker, is a global leader in drone flight services innovation. The company works with thousands of drone pilots and is dedicated to connecting communities to drone technology worldwide.
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Question & Answer
What is the total investment amount for DroneUp’s expansion in Virginia?
DroneUp will invest $27.2 million to expand its headquarters in Virginia Beach and establish a testing, training, and R&D center at Richard Bland College in Dinwiddie County.
How many new jobs will be created as a result of DroneUp’s expansion?
The expansion will generate 655 new jobs, with 510 jobs created from the $7 million investment in the Virginia Beach headquarters and 145 jobs created from the $20.2 million investment in the new center at Richard Bland College.
What partnership did DroneUp recently announce with Walmart?
DroneUp plans to establish three drone hubs at Walmart locations in Virginia this year and has a commercial services agreement with Walmart, Inc. to provide drone delivery services at 34 sites.
Who are some of the organizations supporting DroneUp’s expansion?
The expansion is supported by organizations such as the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission, and the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.
