Unmanned aerial systems designer and manufacturer Hush Aerospace is locating operations in Tupelo. The project represents a corporate investment of $13.975 million and will create 80 jobs.
Hush Aerospace will establish a state-of-the-art facility for the assembly, manufacturing, testing and evaluation of UAS in Tupelo. The company’s move will enhance the domestic drone market by providing cutting-edge UAS/robotic platforms and components that meet the rigorous standards of NASA and the military. In turn, this will enhance national security by onshoring UAS design and production. In addition to government contract work, the company’s drones may be used in various commercial applications, including package delivery, agriculture, photography, cinematography, infrastructure inspections, mapping and surveying.
The Mississippi Development Authority is providing assistance for the construction of the company’s 60,000-square-foot facility. MDA also is providing assistance through the MFLEX tax incentive plan. AccelerateMS is providing a Mississippi Works grant to support the critical training needs of Hush Aerospace and will support the company’s long-term workforce goals and objectives for this project. The project is also receiving support from Tupelo, Lee County, Tennessee Valley Authority and Appalachian Regional Commission.
Hush Aerospace is headquartered in Virginia Beach, Virginia, with an international office in the United Kingdom. Its expansion into Mississippi recognizes the significant growth of the global UAS market and the need to efficiently deliver UAS into the government and commercial space.
QUOTES
“Hush Aerospace to Lee County is another win for Mississippi. Our state is getting stronger every day and today’s announcement is an example of that. We’ve made historic investments in workforce development, and more and more companies are wanting to do business in Mississippi. I am proud to welcome Hush Aerospace as our newest corporate partner.”
– Gov. Tate Reeves
“I am thrilled to see the exciting expansion of Hush Aerospace into Lee County. Not only is the company contributing to the advancement of technology and opening doors for future government and commercial applications, it is shining the spotlight on Mississippi and showing other companies we are open for business. Hush’s commitment to innovation and its significant investment in Lee County will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the region’s economy and the lives of the people who call the area home.”
– MDA Deputy Executive Director Laura Hipp
“Mississippi and Tupelo/Lee County not only provide Hush’s expansion with one of our nation’s premier manufacturing locations, but they offer a dedicated, skilled workforce and a public education, community college and research university platform that is second to none. On top of all of that, Mississippi and Lee County possess a culture which speaks to what Hush and its team members embrace as fellow Americans – freedom and patriotism.”
– Zachary Johns, CEO, Hush Aerospace
“AccelerateMS is excited about Hush Aerospace’s decision to locate in Lee County. This innovative company represents new and amazing opportunities for Mississippians to have meaningful careers in advanced technologies. We are grateful to have this wonderful new partner in Lee County, and we look forward to seeing the success Hush Aerospace will achieve with our dedicated workforce.”
– AccelerateMS Executive Director Ryan Miller
“The city of Tupelo is delighted by the announcement of Hush Aerospace and the ensuing diversity of new career opportunities it will provide for our citizens. Strong partnerships make a difference, and it is important to recognize that city, county, state and federal resources were all required to help establish this kind of next-generation technology hub at the Hive and attract opportunities like Hush Aerospace.”
– Mayor Todd Jordan, City of Tupelo
“When the Board of Supervisors and the city of Tupelo created the vision for the Hive in 2010 and invested in the land and infrastructure, Hush Aerospace was the ideal type of company we had hoped to one day recruit there. We are very excited about Hush locating to Lee County and for its intent to work and expand the drone program being taught next door at the Lee County Career and Technical Center.”
– Mike Smith, President, Lee County Board of Supervisors
“TVA and Tombigbee Electric Power Association congratulate Hush Aerospace on its decision to establish operations in Lee County. Helping attract and retain quality jobs and investment to the region is fundamental to TVA’s mission of service. We are proud to partner with Mississippi Development Authority and the Community Development Foundation to further that mission and celebrate this announcement together.”
– John Bradley, TVA senior vice president of Economic Development
Source: Mississippi Development Authority