L3Harris Technologies announced a $1.27 billion investment to increase manufacturing capacity at its facilities in Orange County, Virginia. The company said the expansion will create more than 350 highly skilled jobs and more than double the existing 256,000 square feet of manufacturing space. Governor Abigail Spanberger approved $18 million in state grants to support the project, which builds on previous investments in tactical solid rocket motor production.
What it means
The investment expands L3Harris’ Center of Excellence for Propellant Research and Small to Medium-sized Solid Rocket Motor Production. New facilities will support mixing, grinding, casting, and final assembly operations for solid rocket motors spanning multiple Department of War programs. The expansion increases the physical footprint of the site, which currently serves as a hub for propellant research and motor production.
Governor Spanberger approved two grants from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund totaling $13 million ($12.5 million and $500,000) and a performance-based grant of $5 million from the Virginia Investment Performance Grant. The Virginia Jobs Investment Program will provide funding and services for employee training. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Orange County, the Central Virginia Partnership, and the General Assembly’s Major Employment and Investment Project Approval Commission to secure the project.
Key facts
- $1.27 billion: L3Harris investment amount for manufacturing capacity expansion
- 350+: Highly skilled jobs expected to be created
- Orange County, Virginia: Location of the expanded facilities
- 256,000 square feet: Current manufacturing space at the site
- $12.5 million and $500,000: Grants from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund approved by Governor Spanberger
- $5 million: Performance-based grant from the Virginia Investment Performance Grant approved by Governor Spanberger
- Solid rocket motor production: Key operations supported by new facilities, including mixing, grinding, casting, and final assembly
Source: Virginia Economic Development Partnership news release