New aerospace and defense manufacturing campus in Pittsylvania County to create more than 1,000 jobs
RICHMOND, Va. — Avio USA Inc., a subsidiary of global aerospace and propulsion company Avio S.p.A., has announced plans to invest more than $500 million to establish a major solid rocket motor manufacturing facility in Pittsylvania County, Virginia, expanding domestic production capacity for critical defense and space technologies.
The project will develop an 860,000-square-foot advanced manufacturing facility at the Southern Virginia Multimodal Park in the Town of Hurt, creating over 1,000 new jobs and significantly strengthening the United States’ defense industrial base.
Expanding U.S. Propulsion and Defense Manufacturing Capacity
The new facility will manufacture solid rocket motors and propulsion systems used in:
- Missile and defense systems
- Tactical propulsion technologies
- Commercial space launch applications
- National security programs
State leaders said the investment represents a major milestone in reshoring critical defense manufacturing capabilities and scaling domestic production capacity.
Governor Abigail Spanberger called the project a transformational win for Southern Virginia and the Commonwealth’s defense sector.
“Avio USA’s investment revitalizes domestic production of critical defense technologies while creating high-quality jobs and strengthening Virginia’s resilient defense industrial base,” Spanberger said.
Southern Virginia Site Readiness Drives Project Selection
Pittsylvania County’s prepared industrial sites, workforce assets, and regional collaboration were key factors in securing the investment. The facility will redevelop a former industrial site previously occupied by Burlington Industries, transforming it into a next-generation aerospace manufacturing campus.
Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade Carrie Chenery noted the region’s readiness for advanced manufacturing projects of national scale.
“Prepared sites, strong partnerships, and a skilled workforce positioned Pittsylvania County to compete successfully for a project of this magnitude,” Chenery said.
Supporting National Security and Supply Chain Resilience
Avio USA CEO VADM (Ret.) James Syring said the investment will help meet growing demand for propulsion systems amid efforts to expand U.S. missile production and strengthen national defense supply chains.
“With more than a century of propulsion leadership, Avio’s capabilities uniquely position us to scale production capacity required to meet today’s national security priorities,” Syring said.
The company cited Virginia’s business climate, workforce development programs, and customized incentive support as major factors in its location decision.
Workforce Development and Incentive Support
The project was secured through a coordinated partnership involving state, regional, and local economic development organizations led by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP).
Subject to General Assembly approval, Avio may receive up to $97.7 million through Virginia’s Major Employment and Investment (MEI) program based on job creation and capital investment milestones.
Workforce training support will be delivered through the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program, nationally recognized for customized workforce recruitment and training solutions provided at no cost to qualifying employers.
VEDP President and CEO Jason El Koubi said the investment reinforces Virginia’s leadership in advanced manufacturing and aerospace innovation.
Regional Economic Transformation
Local leaders emphasized the project’s long-term economic impact for Southern Virginia, including revitalization of a historic industrial site and expansion of high-wage career opportunities.
The development is expected to:
- Generate significant construction activity
- Expand regional supplier networks
- Support long-term workforce growth
- Anchor a growing aerospace and defense manufacturing ecosystem
The facility will also benefit from more than a decade of regional investments in advanced workforce training and defense manufacturing education programs.
About Avio
Founded in 1912 and headquartered near Rome, Italy, Avio S.p.A. specializes in space launch systems and propulsion technologies. The company operates globally across Europe, the United States, and South America and established Avio USA Inc. in Virginia in 2022 to expand operations in the North American aerospace and defense market.
Strengthening America’s Defense Industrial Base
Economic development officials say the investment reflects a broader national trend toward reshoring critical technologies and expanding domestic manufacturing capacity tied to aerospace, defense, and space industries.
The Pittsylvania County facility is expected to position Southern Virginia as a growing hub for advanced propulsion manufacturing supporting both commercial space and national defense missions.
