Sandberg's $43M Virginia HQ Forges New US Defense and Robotics Nexus

MANASSAS, VA – June 23, 2026 – A quiet corner of Prince William County's Innovation Park is set to become a critical node in a global technology network. Swedish investment firm Sandberg Development has officially broken ground on a new $43 million U.S. headquarters, a move that signals a significant deepening of its commitment to the American market. The project involves an initial 87,565-square-foot facility with plans for a future 48,330-square-foot expansion, solidifying the region's status as a burgeoning hub for advanced manufacturing, defense technology, and international investment.

The multi-phase development, unfolding over the next four years at 9349 Hornbaker Road, is more than just a new building; it's a strategic consolidation of Sandberg's existing U.S. operations, which already generate $100 million in annual sales. The investment is projected to create 32 new high-skilled jobs with an average annual salary of $118,000, a figure well above the regional average, promising a significant economic injection. For Prince William County, attracting a family-owned global powerhouse with a portfolio spanning security, water technology, and quality of life is a major validation of its long-term economic strategy.

A Strategic Landing Point for Global Tech

Sandberg Development, founded in 1959, operates with a philosophy of long-term investment in innovation-driven companies. This new U.S. headquarters is the physical manifestation of that strategy, designed to serve as a central nervous system for its North American ventures and a launchpad for future growth. Matthew Casciano, President of Sandberg Development Inc., described the vision for the facility, stating, “Our United States headquarters will provide our North American businesses with a world class facility and serve as a landing point for additional portfolio companies expanding to the U.S. market.”

The new building will consolidate the operations of four U.S.-based companies currently operating within Prince William County. Chief among them is Aimpoint, a world leader in red dot sighting technology and a Sandberg subsidiary since 1975. Aimpoint's systems are trusted by the U.S. military, federal agencies, and law enforcement units, including the Prince William County Police. The consolidation will bring Aimpoint and other subsidiaries—specializing in high-tech fields like virtual reality training and advanced optics for government contractors—under one state-of-the-art roof.

This move is a calculated power play. By centralizing its advanced manufacturing, robotics, and research activities, the Swedish firm can foster greater synergy between its portfolio companies. The Scandinavian-inspired design emphasizes not just aesthetics but function, with plans for collaborative workspaces and energy-efficient materials. This environment is intended to accelerate innovation cycles and strengthen the company's competitive edge in the highly demanding U.S. defense and technology sectors. The headquarters is not merely an office; it is being engineered as an incubator for the next generation of Sandberg's technological advancements.

Cultivating an Innovation Ecosystem

The decision by Sandberg Development to expand so significantly was not made in a vacuum. It was actively courted by Prince William County, which has strategically positioned itself as a business-friendly environment with a global outlook. The Board of County Supervisors (BOCS) demonstrated its commitment by approving a substantial incentive package, including a $1.6 million grant from the Economic Development Opportunity Fund (EDOF) and the sale of an 11.06-acre parcel of county-owned land for the project.

“We are excited to encourage and celebrate international interest in our growing Nexus234 Innovation District,” said Deshundra Jefferson, Chair-at-Large of the BOCS. “Supporting Sandberg Development’s expansion with an EDOF grant is one way Prince William County can showcase our business-friendly climate and our growing opportunity landscape on a global scale.” This proactive approach is central to the county's strategy of transforming the region into a destination for high-value industries.

The investment's impact extends beyond direct job creation and capital infusion. The high average wage associated with the new positions will increase local tax revenue and consumer spending, creating a positive ripple effect for small businesses and services in the area. Furthermore, it reinforces the vision for the Nexus234 Innovation District as a specialized economic zone. Tom Gordy, Supervisor for the Brentsville District, noted the symbolic importance of the project, connecting it to the innovative roots of Aimpoint. “To think what began as a Swedish hunter's idea for improved accuracy turned into Aimpoint, renowned and trusted by military, law enforcement, and outdoor professionals all over the world,” he remarked, framing Sandberg's growth as a model for what the county hopes to foster.

Forging the Future of Innovation Park

The arrival of Sandberg Development's headquarters is set to catalyze the evolution of Innovation Park, a 1,500-acre corporate research campus anchored by George Mason University's SciTech Campus. The park is already home to a formidable roster of tenants in biotech, government contracting, and R&D, including ATCC and Corning Life Sciences. Sandberg’s new facility, with its focus on advanced manufacturing and robotics, adds a critical new dimension to this ecosystem.

Its strategic location at the corner of the park, directly across from the FBI’s Northern Virginia Resident Agency, is particularly advantageous for a company with deep ties to the defense and security sectors. This proximity facilitates collaboration and underscores the park's role as a key hub for public-private partnerships in national security technology. The new headquarters will not exist in isolation but will become an integral part of a dense network of innovators, researchers, and federal partners.

The building itself is designed to be a landmark of modern industrial architecture, incorporating energy-efficient materials and collaborative workspaces that reflect a forward-thinking corporate culture. This commitment to sustainability and innovative design aligns with the high standards set by the Innovation Park Architectural Review Board, ensuring the development enhances the campus's overall quality. By bringing advanced manufacturing and robotics to the forefront, Sandberg is not just creating jobs but also providing a tangible showcase of Industry 4.0 technologies at work, offering invaluable opportunities for local talent and potential collaborations with GMU's student and faculty researchers. The facility represents a powerful new asset that will undoubtedly attract further investment and talent to the growing technology cluster in Prince William County.