A veteran-owned ship repair contractor is expanding its facilities and making a $500,000 investment in Norfolk.

Advanced Integrated Technologies, based in Norfolk Industrial Park, plans to increase its capacity by adding 76 new jobs, Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced Friday.

The maritime industry company, founded in 2009 by Carl Spraberry, provides ship repair and maintenance services for the Navy, Coast Guard and Military Sealift Command as well as marine, industrial and commercial industries throughout the nation.

The family-owned business also houses machining, fabrication and in-house welding.

Youngkin said in a news release that the company’s investment and job creation is a testament to the strength of the local workforce and region as an international shipping hub.

“We are proud to support this expansion and look forward to AIT’s future growth in the Commonwealth,” he said.

AIT President Cheryl Spraberry expressed excitement in the release about expanding the company’s Virginia footprint, stimulating the local workforce and talent pool and providing more capabilities to service the country’s war-fighting ships.

Sandra J. Pennecke, 757-652-5836, sandra.pennecke@insidebiz.com