$12.5M defense research and manufacturing facility opens in MoCo

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AeroVironment, a global defense technology contractor, officially opened its $12.5 million defense research and manufacturing facility in Germantown.

Company executives joined Gov. Wes Moore, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, state leaders, project partners and stakeholders for the grand opening ceremony on July 16 at AV’s 57,000-square-foot facility. 

A statement from the governor’s office says the facility opening marks a significant milestone for AV as the key investment in Maryland’s lighthouse industries is expected to create more than 200 high-tech, high-paying jobs.

Using “next-generation technology” to advance national security capabilities, the company develops and deploys autonomous systems, advanced cyber and electronic technologies, space-based platforms and energy systems, striving to meet defense mission needs.

“AV’s reinvestment in Maryland strengthens our state’s position as a global hub for aerospace and defense,” Moore said. 

“By expanding its footprint in Germantown, AV continues to drive innovation in cyber, aviation, and emerging tech — creating high-skilled jobs and keeping Maryland at the forefront of cutting-edge research and discovery.”

The defense contractor‘s new facility project was made possible through a $1 million conditional loan from the Maryland Department of Commerce’s Advantage Maryland program; an $100,000 conditional loan through the Montgomery County Economic Development Fund; and a $50,000 grant through the Partnership for Workforce Quality program.

AV’s defense technology services encompass air, land, sea, space and cyber. 

According to AV, the facility’s advanced engineering labs, production spaces and collaborative environments will accelerate mission-critical technologies – from hypersonic tracking and telemetry, to security systems, to artificial intelligence solutions.

“As we continue to expand R&D and manufacturing in Montgomery County, especially in advanced fields like biotechnology and aerospace communications, we are excited to welcome AV to our community,” Elrich said. 

“We appreciate their recognition of our strong talent pool and welcome them as an employer of more than 200 high-tech workers in Germantown.”

The new Germantown facility is AV’s seventh Maryland location.