Avio Co. will spend $500 million on new Virginia rocket motor factory

Avio USA Co., the American branch of the Italian rocket systems company, announced February 23 they would build a new solid rocket motor factory in Hurt, Pittsylvania County, Virginia. The company says it will spend more than $500 million on the factory and create more than 1,000 jobs.

In a statement, company leadership said the new factory would support the Defense Department’s efforts to increase missile production in the United States. Avio says motors from the new factory will be suitable for use in defense, tactical propulsion, missile systems and aerospace platforms.

The project will be supported by a $97.7 million special appropriation from the state’s Major Employment and Investment Project fund based on its investment and planned job creations. In a statement, Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger said the new factory would be a win for the state and region.

What people are saying

“We are grateful to the Commonwealth of Virginia and Pittsylvania County for their partnership in advancing this strategic investment, which expands Avio USA’s manufacturing footprint and directly supports the Department of War’s effort to significantly ramp missile production,” said VADM (Ret.) James Syring, CEO of Avio USA. “With more than a century of propulsion leadership, Avio’s proven capabilities, industrial expertise, and enduring legacy uniquely position us to strengthen and scale the U.S. defense industrial base. I am confident that we have made the right choice with our selection of the Commonwealth and Pittsylvania County for our factory location given the complete local, regional, and state support we’ve received, including a business-friendly climate, a best-in-class Virginia Talent Accelerator offering, and competitive custom investment incentives. We are proud to support our U.S. government and defense customers by accelerating solid rocket motor production at the speed and capacity required to meet today’s national security priorities.”

“Avio USA's historic investment in Pittsylvania County represents a major win for Southern Virginia, for the Commonwealth, and for our national security," said Governor Abigail Spanberger. "By investing more than $500 million in Pittsylvania County, Avio USA will create over 1,000 high-quality jobs and revitalize domestic production of critical defense technologies. Virginia is proud to support this project and the talented workforce that powers the Commonwealth's resilient defense industrial base.”

“Avio USA’s investment highlights why Virginia has remained a national leader for the advanced manufacturing and defense industries,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Carrie Chenery. "Pittsylvania County’s prepared sites, skilled workforce, and strong regional partnerships made a project of this scale possible. Together, Avio USA, Pittsylvania County, and the Commonwealth of Virginia will continue to strengthen our nation’s defense industries.”

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LS Cable & System Ltd. to spend $689 million to build new factory in Virginia
In April, the company’s Greenlink subsidiary said it would build its own factory in the same area.

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The North Carolina-based construction manufacturer said the expansion would create 50 new jobs.