Honda Aero Inc. has broken ground for a major expansion of its jet engine manufacturing capabilities in Burlington. The company is investing $21 million in a new plant.
The added space will be used for production of the HF120 light-jet engine, and possible future projects. About 10,000 sq, ft, will be devoted to offices. The expansion will bring the total amount of space at the facility to roughly 130,000 sq. ft., the company said in a news release.
“Honda Aero is very excited to expand upon the strong foundation we have established in North Carolina and increase our production capabilities,” Honda Aero president Atsukuni Waraga said in a statement. “This facility will give us increased flexibility and capacity to continue providing the very best products and services for our customers.”
The plant, located next to Burlington-Alamance Regional Airport, began producing the 2,000-pound thrust-class turbofan HF120s in 2014. Workers at the facility also perform maintenance, repairs and overhauls on the engines.