Avio S.p.A. (“Avio” or the “Company”) announces that its subsidiary Avio USA has selected Virginia as the location for a new state-of-the-art facility for the manufacturing of solid propellant engines for the defense, tactical propulsion, missile systems, and space sectors.
The investment in the facility, about 80,000 square meters, will amount to approximately $500 million, and will be funded in part by the recently concluded €400 million capital increase by Avio S.p.A. The final approval and the site selection announcement are expected at the beginning of next year.
“I want to thank Avio USA for choosing Virginia,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “Today’s announcement marks another important milestone for our aerospace and defense industry. Avio USA’s decision to build a new rocket engine manufacturing plant here represents a strategic investment for the national security infrastructure of the United States and underscores the company’s confidence in Virginia.”
“As we inaugurate a new chapter for the Commonwealth, Avio’s commitment in Virginia highlights the future we are building — innovative, competitive, and based on solid partnerships,” said Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger. “This type of initiative enhances Virginia’s strengths, and I am committed to continuing the phase of creating quality jobs and promoting sustainable growth for the Commonwealth.”
“This facility will contribute to increasing the production capacity necessary for solid propulsion engines, today and in the years to come, responding to key requirements for National Security. We are very enthusiastic about the opportunities offered by the Commonwealth of Virginia and look forward to collaborating in synergy with state and local authorities to bring this important project to life,” said Vice Admiral (Ret.) James Syring, CEO of Avio USA.
“Avio is proud to launch a new facility in the United States dedicated to the manufacturing of solid propellant engines, contributing – thanks to our decades of experience in engineering and manufacturing – to strengthening the American industrial base. We are deeply grateful for the warm welcome given to the project by the Commonwealth and local authorities, and we count on their continuing support to ensure its full and effective realization,” said Giulio Ranzo, CEO of Avio S.p.A.
“This project will not only strengthen American leadership in space and defense technologies, but will also bring high-quality jobs and long-term economic growth to our region,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade, Juan Pablo Segura. “We are proud to support this expansion and look forward to the opportunities it will create for families and businesses in our State.”
“Virginia’s success in cutting-edge manufacturing finds its roots in the talent of our workforce and in the solid partnerships between state, local and private sector leadership,” said Delegate Luke Torian, Chairman of the Commission for the Approval of High Impact Investment Projects. “Avio’s investment in our country testifies to what we can achieve by working together to support innovation, expand opportunities, and build a more competitive future for the Commonwealth.”
“Avio’s investment in a new rocket engine manufacturing plant will bring highly skilled jobs, advanced technologies, and long-term opportunities to the Commonwealth,” said Senator Louise Lucas, Vice President of the Commission for the Approval of High Impact Projects. “I am proud of the collaboration that made this result possible and pleased to welcome Avio to the Commonwealth of Virginia.”
Source: Avio S.p.A. Press Release
Photo credit: @European Space Agency-Avio S.p.A.
