Governor Spanberger Announces L3Harris Expands Virginia Operations With More Than $1.2 Billion Investment in Orange County

RICHMOND, VA - Governor Abigail Spanberger announced today that L3Harris Technologies - a global leader in defense tech and solid rocket motor manufacturing - will invest $1.27 billion to increase manufacturing capacity at the company's production facilities in Orange County, Virginia. The expansion is expected to create more than 350 highly skilled jobs in the Commonwealth and builds on the company's previously announced investment to expand tactical solid rocket motor production in Virginia.

"I congratulate L3Harris on its historic expansion in Central Virginia," said Governor Abigail Spanberger. "With a deep talent pipeline and strong track record in the defense and advanced manufacturing sectors, the Commonwealth is ready to fill the hundreds of new positions coming to Orange County. L3Harris exemplifies the kind of partnership that is critical to Virginia's future success, and I look forward to continuing to create a thriving business climate that brings further investment to our Commonwealth."

"A $1.27 billion investment doesn't happen without the right partners at every level," said 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."

"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 Department of War and our allies."

L3Harris' site in Virginia 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.

The expansion project would more than double the manufacturing space at the site. L3Harris plans to construct new facilities to support key solid rocket motor production operations spanning multiple Department of War programs. The new facilities would support company operations such as mixing, grinding, casting, and final assembly.

"Virginia's status as a leader in aerospace manufacturing is made possible by our talented workforce and research capabilities," said Delegate Luke Torian, chair of the Major Employment and Investment Project Approval Commission. "L3Harris' historic investment in Orange County reflects what is possible when state, local, and industry partners work together to create job opportunities for Virginians. With our commitment to job creation, talent development, and research, we are positioning the Commonwealth at the forefront of rocket technology."

"L3Harris' decision to strategically expand in Orange County is a significant victory for the Commonwealth," said Senator L. Louise Lucas, vice chair of the Major Employment and Investment Project Approval Commission. "This investment will bring skilled jobs, reinforce the Commonwealth's aerospace manufacturing capabilities, and generate meaningful economic impact across the region."

"By making intentional investments in workforce development and working closely with our trusted local partners, Virginia has established the unparalleled economic ecosystem that made L3Harris' investment possible," said House of Delegates Speaker Don Scott. "Projects like this make the Commonwealth a place where families and companies are able to grow and prosper."

"I am deeply proud to see L3Harris double down on their commitment to my home county, reinforcing Orange as a vital hub for aerospace innovation," said Senator Bryce Reeves. "This expansion is far more than a local economic milestone; it is a strategic investment in our national security, ensuring that the critical technologies protecting our nation are built right here by Virginia's world-class workforce."

"Investment in this region is critical; as manufacturing gets re-shored, we have to ensure our state and local climates are ready for folks to set up shop," said Delegate Phillip Scott. "I am thrilled that these jobs and investments are coming into Orange County - it is a testament to what our rural community has built."

"I'm pleased to see L3Harris expanding its operations in Virginia, bringing hundreds of good-paying jobs to Orange County while strengthening manufacturing capacity for critical national defense programs," said U.S. Representative Eugene Vindman. "This investment will more than double their footprint and build on a long track record of success in the region. I look forward to continuing to partner with L3Harris to support this growth, create new opportunities for our workforce, and advance the aerospace innovation that drives both our economy and our national security."

"As an established leader in both the manufacturing and defense tech industries, Virginia is an ideal expansion location for L3Harris," said 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."

"On behalf of the Board of Supervisors and our Economic Development team, we are thrilled to recognize and support L3Harris' $1.265 Billion expansion and the creation of 350+ new jobs in Orange County. This is a transformational announcement that will benefit Orange County for decades," said Orange County Board of Supervisors Chairman Bryan Nicol. "L3Harris has been an important, long-time member of our business community - making their growth and continued investment here particularly gratifying. This project is a recognition of Orange County's strong business climate, its economic vitality, and our region's qualified workforce. The Board is grateful to be receiving a grant from Governor Spanberger's Commonwealth's Opportunity Fund and support from the General Assembly's Major Employment Investment Project Approval Commission to bring this opportunity to the Commonwealth."

"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."

Governor Spanberger approved two grants of $12.5 million and $500,000 from the Commonwealth's Opportunity Fund to assist Orange County with the projects. 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.

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

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