Defense technology company Firehawk Aerospace is locating manufacturing operations in Lowndes County with a $16.5 million corporate investment being announced Wednesday.
Firehawk is a U.S. defense technology company that uses advanced additive manufacturing to produce scalable rocket motors, 3D-printed propellant, and other propulsion systems, replacing outdated World War II-era manufacturing methods to modernize and strengthen the defense supply chain, per the company’s website.
It recently acquired a 636-acre facility in Crawford, which will be home to its first Mississippi manufacturing facility and serve as its rocket system integration site. The investment is expected to create 100 jobs.
“Mississippi stood out to us because of its pro-industry leadership, deep talent pool, and commitment to advanced manufacturing,” Firehawk CEO Will Edwards said. “As Firehawk works to modernize and scale rocket production for U.S. defense, we look for partners who move with urgency and clarity, and we found that here. This facility will play a critical role in strengthening national security while creating high-impact technical jobs in the region.”
The Mississippi Development Authority is providing financial assistance through the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive program. Lowndes County is assisting with the project, as well.
Bill Cork, the executive director of the Mississippi Development Authority, said Firehawk’s decision to locate in Crawford showcases the state’s ability to host aerospace and defense companies anywhere – not just in the coastal region, where NASA and others are set up.
“Mississippi continues to prove that the future of aerospace and defense is not limited to the coasts – it is being built in communities across our state,” Cork said. “Mississippi has been in the rocket business for more than 60 years and companies like Firehawk Aerospace choose our state because they know they can innovate, grow, and compete at the highest level while advancing technologies critical to our nation’s security.”
Gov. Tate Reeves, who can now add Firehawk to the growing list of economic development projects landed since he took office in 2020, said the investment is another example of his office and MDA’s focus streamlining the process for businesses looking to locate in Mississippi.
“Firehawk Aerospace chose Mississippi because we’re built for companies that refuse to wait,” Reeves said. “We move faster and deliver the workforce and infrastructure innovative aerospace companies demand – without red tape.
“Lowndes County and the Golden Triangle are proving once again that Mississippi isn’t watching the future take shape; we’re building it. The state of Mississippi is proud to support Firehawk as it brings high-paying, high-tech jobs to the people of Lowndes County.”
No date was announced as to when Firehawk’s Mississippi operations will begin, but the announcement noted it will be “in the near future.”