L3Harris Announces $1.27 Billion Solid Rocket Motor Expansion in Orange County, Virginia

L3Harris Technologies, Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger and the Orange County Board of Supervisors announced on April 15 an agreement to further expand L3Harris’ solid rocket motor production capacity at its Orange County site through the creation of the Virginia Advanced Propulsion Facilities (VAPF).

More than $1 billion and 350+ jobs

The expansion, valued by Orange County at $1.265 billion, builds on a previously announced expansion at the site. It is expected to more than double manufacturing space and create more than 350 jobs over the next five years.

Mixing, casting and final assembly

L3Harris plans to construct new facilities supporting solid rocket motor production for multiple Department of War programs, including mixing, grinding, casting and final assembly. The Virginia site currently has 256,000 square feet of manufacturing space and serves as the company’s Center of Excellence for Propellant Research and Small to Medium-sized Solid Rocket Motor Production.

Part of a wider buildout

L3Harris is also modernizing and expanding solid rocket motor production at its sites in Camden, Arkansas, and Huntsville, Alabama.

Ken Bedingfield, President, Missile Solutions, L3Harris said:

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

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger said:

“I congratulate L3Harris on its historic expansion in Central Virginia.”