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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

L3Harris Technologies Expands Orange County, Virginia, Production Operations

04/22/2026
Defense and aerospace technology systems provider L3Harris Technologies plans to expand its operations in Orange County, Virginia. The $1.27 billion project is expected to create more than 350 jobs.

The investment will include the construction of new manufacturing facilities at the company’s existing site to support key solid rocket motor production.

“L3Harris’ continued investments in solid rocket motor facilities are bolstering manufacturing capacity for key national defense programs,” said L3Harris Missile Solutions President Ken Bedingfield. “With a talented workforce and a community committed to long-term success, our expanded presence in Virginia will deliver additional capability to the U.S. Department of War and our allies.”

To support the project Governor Spanberger approved two grants of $12.5 million and $500,000 from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist Orange County. The Governor also approved a performance-based grant of $5 million from the Virginia Investment Performance Grant, an incentive that encourages continued capital investment by existing Virginia companies. Funding and services to support L3Harris’ employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.

“A $1.27 billion investment doesn’t happen without the right partners at every level,” noted Secretary of Commerce and Trade Carrie Chenery. “I applaud Orange County, the Central Virginia Partnership, and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership for their work to secure this project for Virginia. Under Governor Spanberger, we are bringing life-changing, historic investments to the Commonwealth, and we are just getting started.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) worked with Orange County, the Central Virginia Partnership, and the General Assembly’s Major Employment and Investment Project Approval Commission to secure the project.

“As an established leader in both the manufacturing and defense tech industries, Virginia is an ideal expansion location for L3Harris,” added VEDP President and CEO Jason El Koubi. “VEDP worked closely with Orange County and the Central Virginia Partnership to assist L3Harris with this business expansion, which will deliver a significant investment and many high-quality job opportunities for Virginians. We will see the impact of this project for many years to come.”

L3Harris Technologies provides communication systems, sensors, and electronic technologies for military and government customers. The company develops and integrates systems used in air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains.

“CVPED is thrilled to celebrate such a major expansion by L3 Harris in our region,” said Central Virginia Partnership for Economic Development President Helen Cauthen. “As the new home of the Central Virginia National Security Alliance, supported by Orange County, we are committed to advancing the continued growth and success of this critical sector. Congratulations to L3Harris and the entire Orange County team.”

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