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From Textile Mills to Rocket Motors: A New Industrial Chapter for Southside Virginia

Italian aerospace firm Avio plans a major manufacturing hub in Pittsylvania County, bringing jobs, investment, and a long-term economic boost Hurt, Virginia, United States, 24 February 2026 – Southside Virginia is preparing for one of the most significant industrial transformations in its history as Italian aerospace manufacturer Avio announces plans to build a large-scale production facility in Pittsylvania County. The project is expected to bring more than $500 million in investment and create over 1,500 jobs, marking a major milestone for the region’s economic development. Avio will establish its new facility at an industrial park in Hurt, where it will manufacture solid rocket motors used in defense systems, missile propulsion, and commercial space applications. The development is being described as the second-largest economic investment ever recorded in Southside Virginia, highlighting the growing appeal of the region for advanced manufacturing. Founded in 1912 and headquartered in Colleferro, Italy, near Rome, Avio designs and maintains propulsion systems for both commercial and military use. Through its US subsidiary, Avio USA Inc., the company has been expanding its presence in North America to meet rising demand in aerospace and defense manufacturing. The Pittsylvania County facility is expected to create 1,546 jobs, according to the Virginia Economic Development Partnership. Average wages are projected at about $81,400 per year, well above the county’s current average wage. Several hundred employees are expected to be hired by 2028, with full staffing to follow in later years. The new plant will be located within the Southern Virginia Multimodal Park in Hurt, an industrial area redeveloped from a former textile mill site. The location holds historical importance for the community, as it once housed Burlington Industries, which employed more than 1,300 people before closing in 2007. Local and regional authorities approved a performance agreement ahead of the announcement, offering incentive packages tied to job creation and investment targets. These include relocation and grading grants, enterprise zone job incentives, tax rebates, and waived local fees. In total, local incentives are valued at more than $33 million, while additional state-level support could reach nearly $100 million if performance benchmarks are met. Officials say the project reflects years of investment in making industrial sites ready for large-scale manufacturing. Southern Virginia now has more shovel-ready industrial sites than any other region in the state, thanks to sustained spending on infrastructure, utilities, and land preparation. To support future growth, Pittsylvania County recently rezoned additional land around the Hurt industrial park, expanding it to more than 1,000 contiguous acres. The move allows for advanced manufacturing use and was fast-tracked to meet strong interest from industrial developers. For local leaders and residents, the Avio investment represents more than job numbers. It signals a revival of industrial purpose in a community that has spent decades rebuilding after manufacturing decline. What was once a symbol of lost industry is now being reshaped into a hub for aerospace and defense technology. As global demand for space and propulsion systems continues to rise, the arrival of Avio positions Pittsylvania County as a key player in the future of advanced manufacturing in the United States.