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Natilus Considers Virginia for New Aerospace Manufacturing Facility

Conceptual image of Natilus's potential aerospace manufacturing facility in Virginia.

News Summary

Natilus, a California-based startup specializing in blended-wing aircraft, is exploring Virginia as a potential site for a new manufacturing operation. This facility could generate over 11,000 jobs in the aerospace sector. The initial phase includes hiring more than 300 workers, with future expansions planned, including a passenger jet manufacturing site. The search for locations also includes other Southeastern states, emphasizing the importance of proximity to airports and skilled labor availability.

Virginia

Natilus, a California-based startup known for developing hyper-efficient blended-wing aircraft, is exploring Virginia as a potential site for a new manufacturing operation that could create over 11,000 jobs in the aerospace industry. The company is currently searching for locations across the U.S. to establish a 250,000-square-foot factory dedicated to the production of cargo jets.

The first phase of Natilus’s operation will kick off with the hiring of more than 300 workers, laying the groundwork for future job growth. Along with Virginia, the company is considering several other states for this major investment, including North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, and Florida. The Southeast region has emerged as a focal point for Natilus’s plans to establish its manufacturing capabilities.

Natilus has identified the need for new manufacturing facilities due to space limitations in San Diego, where the company currently operates at Brown Field Municipal Airport. CEO and co-founder Aleksy Matyushev has pointed out that the lack of sufficient land for scaling up operations in California, coupled with unsustainable skilled labor costs, are factors driving the search for new locations.

Site Selection Requirements

The initial stage of Natilus’s site selection process involves gathering information about potential locations across targeted states. The company has outlined specific criteria for the ideal manufacturing site, emphasizing the importance of proximity to airport infrastructure. Natilus is particularly interested in locations with access to airports that feature runways of at least 8,000 feet, with a preference for runways that stretch to 10,000 feet.

Additionally, sites should not be in overly active airport areas, ensuring that manufacturing operations can proceed without disruptions. Matyushev has highlighted the significance of local talent availability, noting that competition for skilled workers is a critical factor in the decision-making process.

Future Growth and Investment

Natilus has ambitious plans that extend beyond cargo jets. In conjunction with the manufacturing facility for freight transport jets, the company envisions a second facility dedicated to the production of a narrowbody passenger jet named the Horizon. The initial recruitment phase for this passenger jet manufacturing is projected to create around 3,000 jobs, further contributing to the anticipated total of more than 11,000 jobs in the long term.

As the company evaluates potential locations for its manufacturing operations, the prospect of substantial investment plays a crucial role in site selection. Natilus is mindful of the incentives offered by various states and how these financial considerations may influence its final decision on where to establish headquarters for its manufacturing endeavors.

Conclusion

The decision to expand manufacturing operations represents a significant opportunity for economic growth in Virginia and other Southeastern states. Natilus’s commitment to creating a skilled workforce in the aerospace sector not only promises to enhance local economies but also strengthens the region’s position in the competitive landscape of the aerospace industry. As Natilus continues its site search, the company remains focused on securing a site that can accommodate its ambitious growth plans while fostering local talent and responding to market demands.