L3Harris Pledges $1.265B Virginia Expansion to Double Rocket Motor Capacity
L3Harris plans a $1.265 billion expansion in Orange County, Virginia, to more than double solid rocket motor manufacturing space and add 350 jobs over the next five years. The Virginia Advanced Propulsion Facilities will support key Department of War programs with new propellant mixing, grinding, casting and assembly operations.
1. Project Overview
L3Harris will invest $1.265 billion to expand its solid rocket motor manufacturing in Orange County, Virginia, creating the Virginia Advanced Propulsion Facilities and more than doubling existing production space over the next five years with 350 new jobs.
2. Expanded Facilities
The project adds to the current 256,000 square feet of manufacturing space, with new buildings dedicated to propellant mixing, grinding, casting and final assembly to enhance throughput on key Department of War programs.
3. Strategic Defense Impact
Increased capacity aims to support multiple national defense rocket motor programs, enabling L3Harris to double, triple and quadruple production rates for a range of solid rocket motors critical to U.S. and allied security requirements.
4. Economic and Workforce Benefits
State and local incentives from Virginia’s Opportunity Fund and Employment Investment Commission accelerate construction, while a skilled regional workforce will fill over 350 high-paying defense manufacturing roles.