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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Italy-Based Avio S.p.A Plans Hurt, Virginia, Manufacturing Operations

02/28/2026
Avio USA Inc., a subsidiary of Italy-based aerospace company Avio S.p.A, plans to establish operations in Hurt, Virginia. The approximately $500 million project is expected to create more than 1,000 jobs in Pittsylvania County.

The investment will include the construction of a new 860,000-square-foot manufacturing facility, located in the Southern Virginia Multimodal Park,which will produce solid rocket motors for defense, tactile propulsion, missile systems, and the commercial space sectors.

“We are grateful to the Commonwealth of Virginia and Pittsylvania County for their partnership in advancing this strategic investment, which expands Avio USA’s manufacturing footprint and directly supports the Department of War’s effort to significantly ramp missile production,” said VADM (Ret.) James Syring, CEO of Avio USA. “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. I am confident that we have made the right choice with our selection of the Commonwealth and Pittsylvania County for our factory location given the complete local, regional, and state support we’ve received, including a business-friendly climate, a best-in-class Virginia Talent Accelerator offering, and competitive custom investment incentives. We are proud to support our U.S. government and defense customers by accelerating solid rocket motor production at the speed and capacity required to meet today’s national security priorities.”

To support the project and subject to approval by the Virginia General Assembly, Avio will be eligible to receive an MEI Commission-approved special appropriation of up to $97.7 million based on the company’s projected investment and job creation.

“Avio USA’s investment highlights why Virginia has remained a national leader for the advanced manufacturing and defense industries,” noted Secretary of Commerce and Trade Carrie Chenery. “Pittsylvania County’s prepared sites, skilled workforce, and strong regional partnerships made a project of this scale possible. Together, Avio USA, Pittsylvania County, and the Commonwealth of Virginia will continue to strengthen our nation’s defense industries.”

Support for Avio’s job creation will be provided through the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program. The program, created by VEDP in collaboration with higher education partners, provides world-class training and recruitment solutions that are customized to a company’s unique operations, equipment, standards and culture. All program services are provided at no cost to qualified new and expanding companies as an incentive for job creation.

“Avio USA’s investment in Southern Virginia strengthens the Commonwealth’s leadership position in innovation and advanced manufacturing," added Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) President and CEO Jason El Koubi. “We are excited about our partnership with Avio and what this collaboration will deliver, including more than 1,000 good job opportunities for Southern Virginia, a growing innovation ecosystem for the Commonwealth, and a more robust defense industrial base for our country.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) worked with the Staunton River Regional Industrial Facility Authority, Pittsylvania County, the City of Danville, the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance, the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission, and the General Assembly’s Major Employment and Investment Project Approval Commission to secure the project.

“Avio USA’s decision to establish its U.S. headquarters and manufacturing facility in Hurt is a powerful testament to Southern Virginia’s commitment to collaborative workforce development, high-performance manufacturing, and strategic partnerships with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership,” said Southern Virginia Regional Alliance Executive Director Linda Green.

Avio S.p.A. develops, produces, and supplies propulsion systems, including solid and liquid rocket motors, space launch systems, and related technologies, for space and defense applications. The company currently operates in Italy, France, the U.S., and French Guiana.

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