OT- Another defence industry for my hometown.

[Cdnwolf]

General Dynamics, now a Norwegian firm!!

Kongsberg is calling London home.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper made it official this morning at a press conference at the Delta Armouries Hotel, the Norwegian defence contractor is opening a new, $50-million business here doing research and development and bringing manufacturing to the city.

"Our government''s number one priority is growth in jobs," said Harper. "Kongsberg brings . . . knowledge intensive jobs on which the economy of the future will be built."

Kongsberg Defence Corporate will employ about 30 people when it opens in the first quarter of 2011 and that will ramp up to abut 100 people, supplying military contractors, including General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada, with support systems for weapon turrets found on its armoured vehicles.

Its local suppliers will employ another 500 workers. It plans on leasing a 50,000-square-foot space near London International Airport.

"There is serious, worldwide competition to attract companies like Kongsberg," said Harper.

The Norwegian firm did not receive any federal or provincial incentives to locate here.