US defense company AeroVironment has announced a $15-million investment to expand its advanced manufacturing footprint in Greene County, Ohio.
Related activities will take place at Beavercreek and Xenia, with about 44,000 square feet (4,088 square meters) of new space dedicated to assembly, testing, and production activities supporting critical national security programs and biotechnology initiatives.
Once established, the sites will scale from pilot to full-rate operations as demand increases and are expected to contribute approximately $28 million in annual economic impact while creating 200 additional jobs in the region.
About $7 million in tax incentives were approved for the expansion under a government effort to encourage workforce growth and operational milestones in the state.
“The surrounding community is where some of the nation’s most important advanced research and defense innovation is happening, and proximity to the customer matters,” said Wahid Nawabi, chairman, president, and CEO at AeroVironment.
“The broader defense innovation ecosystem allows our teams to collaborate faster, transition technology more rapidly, and deliver advanced capabilities directly aligned with mission needs.”
Projects With AFRL
The firm noted that part of the investment aligns with ongoing works with the US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), also in Ohio, which include a $499-million framework for electromagnetic countermeasure tools and a $75-million deal for biotechnology and smart materials development.
Other engagements with the military innovation arm include a $25-million arrangement to amplify warfighter readiness with human performance and related biotechnology solutions, as well as a $20-million project to produce next-generation ceramic composites.
“With its deep engineering heritage, proximity to AFRL, and one of the most skilled technical workforces in the country, this region is uniquely positioned for advanced defense manufacturing,” AeroVironment Cyber and Mission Solutions Group SVP Johnathan Jones stated.
