On July 26, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam announced that Aurora Flight Sciences will invest more than $13.75 million to expand its operation in the City of Manassas, Virginia, where it is headquartered.

Aurora, which was acquired by The Boeing Company last year, plans on building a robotics and integration facility that includes a manufacturing unit, a research and development lab, a hangar, and office space. The project is expected to create 135 new jobs.

“Since choosing the Manassas Airport to locate our headquarters nearly 27 years ago, we have prided ourselves in bringing new technology to the region and becoming one of the largest employers in the City,” says John Langford, Founder and CEO of Aurora Flight Sciences.

“Now as part of The Boeing Company, we are able to continue our expansion in developing next-generation autonomous systems that will transform transportation.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership and the City of Manassas worked together to secure the project for the state of Virginia. A $500,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund was approved by former Governor Terry McAuliffe to help Manassas with the project.

Aurora will also be eligible to receive Sales and Use tax exemptions on manufacturing equipment, as well as a Major Business Facility Job Tax Credit. The Virginia Jobs Investment Program will provide the funding and services necessary to support Aurora’s employee training activities.

“In Virginia we’re proud of our leading position in the aerospace industry, and that is only strengthened by companies like Aurora Flight Sciences that continue to grow and thrive in our Commonwealth,” Governor Northam says.

“Virginia is proud to partner with Aurora in this next phase of growth, and we thank them for choosing to expand in Manassas.”