L3Harris plans $1 billion Virginia solid rocket motor expansion
L3Harris Technologies, headquartered in Melbourne, Florida, USA, is expanding its solid rocket motor production capacity at its Orange County site through the creation of the Virginia Advanced Propulsion Facilities (VAPF). The investment, valued at more than $1 billion, builds on a previously announced development at the Orange County site.
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The expansion, supported by Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger and Florida’s Orange County Board of Supervisors, is expected to more than double manufacturing space and create over 350 jobs during the next five years.
“L3Harris’ continued investments in solid rocket motor facilities are bolstering manufacturing capacity for key national defence programmes,” stated Ken Bedingfield, President, Missile Solutions, L3Harris. “With a talented workforce and a community committed to long-term success, our expanded presence in Virginia will deliver additional capability to the Department of War and our allies.”
Bryan Nicol, Chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors, added, “On behalf of the Board of Supervisors and our Economic Development team, we are thrilled to recognize and support L3Harris’ $1.265 billion expansion and the creation of 350+ new jobs in Orange County. This is a transformational announcement that will benefit Orange County for decades. L3Harris has been an important, long-time member of our business community – making their growth and continued investment here particularly gratifying. This project is a recognition of Orange County’s strong business climate, its economic vitality and our region’s qualified workforce. The Board is grateful to be receiving a grant from Governor Spanberger’s Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund and support from the General Assembly’s Major Employment Investment Project Approval Commission to bring this opportunity to the Commonwealth.”
L3Harris plans to construct new facilities at the site to support solid rocket motor production operations across multiple US Department of Defense programmes. The VAPF will support operations including mixing, grinding, casting and final assembly.
The company’s Virginia site currently has 23,783 m² of manufacturing space and serves as its Center of Excellence for propellant research and small- to medium-sized solid rocket motor production.
“This investment will more than double their footprint and build on a long track record of success in the region,” stated Virginia Representative Eugene Vindman. “I look forward to continuing to partner with L3Harris to support this growth, create new opportunities for our workforce, and advance the aerospace innovation that drives both our economy and our national security.”
L3Harris is also working to modernise and expand solid rocket motor production at its sites in Camden, Arkansas, and Huntsville, Alabama. According to the company, ongoing investments in new facilities, equipment and processes are expected to enable it to double, triple and quadruple production rates for a range of key programmes.
