Governor Phil Bryant, Aurora Flight Sciences Chief Executive Officer John Langford, Senator Roger Wicker and Representative Alan Nunnelee cut the ribbon on Tuesday at the company’s new 30,000-square-foot facility at the Golden Triangle Regional Airport in Columbus, Mississippi.
The new facility, which will allow the company to increase its commercial composites manufacturing operations, represents a corporate investment of $17 million and is creating 250 new jobs.
“I am grateful to Aurora Flight Sciences for expanding its presence in Columbus,” Gov. Bryant said. “Aurora’s decision to further invest in its Mississippi operations and create 250 new advanced manufacturing jobs in the state is a testament to the quality of our workforce and our ever-growing aerospace industry. Aurora is just one shining example of a company that has enjoyed the benefits of a Mississippi location and is further proof that ‘Mississippi Works.'”
“Competing in today’s world economy takes a partnership,” Langford said. “No one builds a modern airplane alone. Aurora deeply appreciates the confidence the State of Mississippi has placed in us through their continuing support for our growth and expansion.”
The Mississippi Development Authority provided a loan to Lowndes County for the construction of the new facility and assistance to the company for the purchase of new equipment through the Mississippi Industry Incentive Financing Revolving Fund. Lowndes County also provided assistance for the expansion project. The company is also able to take advantage of the Mississippi Aerospace Incentives Program.
“I am proud that MDA was able to help Aurora Flight Sciences grow its Mississippi operations. The high-tech work this valued corporate citizen undertakes in Columbus is a prime example of the diverse and sophisticated aerospace manufacturing operations that are located throughout our state,” said MDA Executive Director Brent Christensen. “I thank our partners in Lowndes County and at the Golden Triangle Development LINK for working with us to make this project possible and look forward to watching Aurora Flight Sciences continue to thrive in Columbus in the years to come.”
Aurora Flight Sciences designs and builds aerospace vehicles for commercial and military applications. Headquartered in Manassas, Va., the company operates production facilities in Bridgeport, W. Va., and Columbus, Miss., as well as a research and development center in Cambridge, Mass.