Avio USA to Open $500M Facility in Virginia, Creating Over 1,000 Jobs

The new aerospace manufacturing plant will produce solid rocket motors for defense, space, and commercial sectors.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Governor Abigail Spanberger announced that Avio USA Inc., a subsidiary of global aerospace company Avio S.p.A, will invest approximately $500 million to establish an 860,000 square-foot manufacturing facility in the Southern Virginia Multimodal Park in Hurt, Virginia. The new facility will produce solid rocket motors for defense, tactile propulsion, missile systems, and the commercial space sectors, and will bring more than 1,000 new jobs to Southside Virginia.

Why it matters

This major investment by Avio USA represents a significant win for Virginia's advanced manufacturing and defense industries. The new facility will strengthen the Commonwealth's position as a leader in aerospace production and help bolster the nation's defense industrial base by increasing domestic production of critical rocket motor technologies.

The details

Avio USA's new facility in Pittsylvania County will produce solid rocket motors for a range of defense, space, and commercial applications. The company plans to invest over $500 million to build the 860,000 square-foot manufacturing plant, which will create more than 1,000 new jobs in the region.

  • Avio USA announced the new facility on February 24, 2026.

The players

Avio USA Inc.

A subsidiary of leading global aerospace company Avio S.p.A that specializes in the design, development, and production of space launch systems and propulsion components.

Governor Abigail Spanberger

The governor of Virginia who announced Avio USA's investment in the state.

Carrie Chenery

The Secretary of Commerce and Trade for the Commonwealth of Virginia.

VADM (Ret.) James Syring

The CEO of Avio USA.

Mark Warner

A U.S. Senator for Virginia.

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What they’re saying

“Avio USA's historic investment in Pittsylvania County represents a major win for Southern Virginia, for the Commonwealth, and for our national security.”

— Governor Abigail Spanberger

“Avio USA's investment highlights why Virginia has remained a national leader for the advanced manufacturing and defense industries.”

— Carrie Chenery, Secretary of Commerce and Trade

“With more than a century of propulsion leadership, Avio's proven capabilities, industrial expertise, and enduring legacy uniquely position us to strengthen and scale the U.S. defense industrial base.”

— VADM (Ret.) James Syring, CEO of Avio USA

“This manufacturing facility will strengthen our country's national defense, boost our Commonwealth's economy, and bring over 1,000 good-paying jobs to Southern Virginia.”

— Mark Warner, U.S. Senator

What’s next

The project is subject to approval by the Virginia General Assembly, which will determine if Avio is eligible to receive up to $97.7 million in special appropriations based on the company's investment and job creation commitments.

The takeaway

Avio USA's decision to establish a major manufacturing facility in Virginia's Pittsylvania County underscores the Commonwealth's continued leadership in advanced manufacturing and aerospace production. This investment will create over 1,000 high-quality jobs, strengthen the nation's defense industrial base, and solidify Virginia's position as a premier destination for cutting-edge industries.