Northrop Grumman Corporation, announced that it will locate its new corporate office in Virginia, concluding a search that also included the state of Maryland and the District of Columbia.

"We are pleased to have identified Virginia as the home for our new corporate office. Virginia, Maryland and the District put forward compelling, competitive offers. Our final decision was driven largely by facility considerations, proximity to our customers, and overall economics," said Wes Bush, chief executive officer and president. "We are very appreciative for the tremendous assistance we received from Governor O'Malley and the State of Maryland, Mayor Fenty and the District of Columbia, and Governor McDonnell and the Commonwealth of Virginia as well many local counties and municipalities."

Northrop Grumman is currently conducting negotiations with several building owners in the Falls Church/Arlington area, with a specific building selection to be announced. The company expects to initiate operations in the new corporate office in summer of 2011 with approximately 300 people. Northrop Grumman currently employs approximately 40,000 people in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. and is the largest industrial employer in both states.