AeroVironment to invest $15 million in Ohio manufacturing expansion
AeroVironment Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV) announced plans to invest $15 million to expand production capabilities in Greene County, Ohio, near Dayton. The Ohio Tax Credit Authority approved $7 million of the company's total investment.
The expansion will add approximately 44,000 square feet across sites in Beavercreek and Xenia to support pilot-scale and mid-volume production of biotechnology materials and components. The facilities are designed for specialized manufacturing, integration, and testing activities related to national security priorities.
The project is expected to create 200 new jobs and generate an estimated $28 million per year in regional economic impact, according to the company's press release. The expansion will initially support pilot-scale production with flexibility to scale into full-rate manufacturing as demand increases.
AeroVironment will receive performance-based incentives from Ohio, including assistance through JobsOhio, tied to verified job creation and operational milestones. Additional state and regional incentives under consideration include refundable job-creation tax credits and workforce development support.
The expansion follows recent Air Force Research Laboratory contract wins for AeroVironment, including a $499 million contract for electromagnetic spectrum survivable materials, a $75 million contract for biotech and smart materials, a $25 million award for human performance technologies, and a $20 million award for ceramic materials research.
The Ohio expansion is part of AeroVironment's broader domestic manufacturing strategy. The company recently announced a $30 million expansion in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and a $20.2 million expansion of its Huntsville, Alabama facility.
