Northrop Grumman Corp. has informed the Virginia Employment Commission that manufacturing jobs in Virginia are at risk if its logistics contract there is not renewed.

According to Washington Biz Journals.com, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) is required in the event of any potential large layoffs.

The current Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC) contract expires June 30. Under the contract, the company provides maintenance, supply, transportation and food services at Fort Eustis.

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Plastek Industries is planning to add a consumer products division based in Richmond County, a move that will create several manufacturing jobs in Pennsylvania (click here).

Plastek Industries say they will pay its workers an average annual wage of $32,800. The average wage in Richmond County is $26,600.

The company makes plastic packaging for such consumer and personal care items as deodorant sticks.

Plastek was started by Joseph Prischak in 1956 in Erie, Pa. as a tool manufacturer, Perdue said. It expanded into the plastics industry in the 1970’s.

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BP Solar has shut down operations at its silicon wafer manufacturing plant in Frederick, eliminating 320 Maryland manufacturing jobs there.

According to WashingtonBizJournals, the company blames falling prices for solar products and high costs of manufacturing components itself. BP Solar began outsourcing production operations last year. It says the decision has cut costs by more than 45 percent.

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Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell proposes spending to recruit new Virginia Jobs in many sectors, including manufacturing, finance, and government.

According to his office, here are some of his plans:

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One company is upgrading much of its equipment in an effort to maintain several Virginia manufacturing jobs.

It was recently announced that Owens-Illinois, Inc. will invest $20 million to upgrade equipment at its manufacturing plant in James City County. The upgrades, made possible through a public-private collaboration, will enhance the energy efficiency and technological capabilities of the plant, as well as maintain the plant’s 180 employees. Owens-Illinois manufactures glass containers for food, beer, wine, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages.

“O-I is seizing the opportunity to make the James City County plant stronger and more competitive, which will help keep quality manufacturing jobs in James City County,” Gov. Timothy M. Kaine said in a press release. “Together, we are working to keep jobs in the region and the Commonwealth during this challenging economic time. As the largest manufacturer of glass containers in the world, Virginia is proud to boast this corporate partner.”

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A local plant’s investments will soon create new Virginia manufacturing jobs.

SPARTA Composite Products is planning to invest $13.2 million to open a new manufacturing facility in Suffolk, Va., a move that will create 198 jobs during the next five years. Gov. Tim Kaine approved a $300,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund for the project. The facility will be used to manufacture composite parts for the aerospace and defense industry.

The facility is expected to be operation by December and will begin hiring workers during the third quarter of 2009, according to an article by the Star Exponent. SPARTA already operates three facilities in Virginia, where the company produces composite products for aircraft and missile and munitions products for the defense industry.

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More Virginia manufacturing jobs will soon be created thanks to the expansion of a well-known fitness company.

Nautilus Inc. recently announced its plan to invest $1.7 million into expanding its operations in Grayson County, a move that will create 60 new manufacturing jobs. The company plans to add a cardio exercise equipment line to its manufacturing roster. Virginia beat out Oregon and China for the project.

“Nautilus has been a major employer in Grayson County for 33 years,” Governor Timothy M. Kaine said in a press release. “The success of Virginia’s existing businesses is more crucial than ever in these times of economic downturn and I am thrilled to bring good news of jobs and investment.”

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A manufacturing company will create more than 100 new Virginia manufacturing jobs.

Metal Manufacturing and Processing, a division of Raleigh Mine & Industrial Supply Inc., is investing $3.2 million to open a processing facility for metal fabrication and truck parts re-manufacturing. The project is expected to create 171 new jobs in Tazewell County, Va. within five years, according to a press release from the State of Virginia. The state won a bid for the project over Kentucky and West Virginia.

“Metal Manufacturing and Processing is a mining equipment company that was created to meet the growing demand for mineral extraction,” Governor Timothy M. Kaine said in the press release. “MMP’s location in Tazewell County will be close to its customer base and will aid the mining industry in Southwest Virginia. I am confident the company will find a skilled workforce in the area to meet its needs.”

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