- Creating 350+ Jobs in Orange County
- Advanced manufacturing expansion strengthens U.S. defense supply chain and boosts aerospace growth in Virginia
ORANGE COUNTY, Va. — L3Harris Technologies announced a major expansion of its Virginia operations, investing $1.27 billion to significantly increase solid rocket motor manufacturing capacity in Orange County. The project is expected to create more than 350 high-skilled jobs, reinforcing the Commonwealth’s leadership in aerospace and defense manufacturing.
The expansion builds on L3Harris’ existing footprint in Central Virginia and supports growing demand across key U.S. defense programs.
“Virginia continues to compete and win in advanced manufacturing and aerospace,” said Governor Abigail Spanberger. “With a strong workforce and established defense ecosystem, the Commonwealth is well-positioned to support this historic expansion and the high-quality jobs it brings to Orange County.”
Manufacturing Capacity to More Than Double
L3Harris’ current Virginia facility includes approximately 256,000 square feet and serves as the company’s Center of Excellence for Propellant Research and Small-to-Medium Solid Rocket Motor Production.
As part of the expansion, the company will:
- More than double its manufacturing footprint
- Construct new production facilities
- Enhance operations supporting mixing, grinding, casting, and final assembly
- Scale production for multiple U.S. defense programs
According to company leadership, the investment will significantly strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities for critical national security technologies.
“Expanding our solid rocket motor production capacity is essential to meeting the evolving needs of our defense partners,” said L3Harris Missile Solutions President Ken Bedingfield. “Virginia offers the workforce, infrastructure, and long-term partnership environment needed to deliver at scale.”
Strategic Win for Virginia’s Aerospace Sector
The project underscores Virginia’s continued momentum in aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing, sectors that are increasingly tied to national security and supply chain resilience.
Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked alongside regional and local partners, including Orange County and the Central Virginia Partnership, to secure the expansion.
“This investment represents a transformational opportunity for the region,” said VEDP President and CEO Jason El Koubi. “It delivers long-term economic impact while strengthening Virginia’s position as a hub for advanced manufacturing and aerospace innovation.”
Incentives and Workforce Development Support
To support the project, the Commonwealth approved a comprehensive incentive package, including:
- $12.5 million and $500,000 grants from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund
- A $5 million performance-based Virginia Investment Performance Grant
- Workforce training support through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program
These investments aim to accelerate job creation and ensure a skilled pipeline of workers to support long-term growth.
Long-Term Economic Impact
Local and regional leaders emphasized the significance of the project for Orange County and the broader Central Virginia economy.
“This is a transformational announcement that will benefit our community for decades,” said Orange County Board of Supervisors Chairman Bryan Nicol. “L3Harris has been a valued partner, and this expansion further validates our strong business climate and workforce.”
With this expansion, L3Harris is positioning Virginia as a critical hub for solid rocket motor production, aerospace innovation, and national defense manufacturing, while delivering substantial economic impact through job creation and capital investment.
