Eaton Invests $18.5 Million to Expand Aerospace Manufacturing Operations in Orchard Park, New York
Intelligent power management company Eaton has announced a significant expansion of its Orchard Park, New York, aerospace manufacturing facility. In response to increasing global demand for its aerospace mission systems, the company will invest $18.5 million to bolster production capabilities, enhance operational efficiency, and create dozens of new manufacturing jobs in Western New York.
The strategic investment will add 50,000 square feet of manufacturing space to Eaton’s existing facility and bring 77 skilled manufacturing jobs to the region. The expansion is aimed at meeting the rising requirements of military defense, commercial aviation, and space exploration programs that rely on Eaton’s advanced aerospace technologies.
Meeting the Needs of a Rapidly Growing Aerospace Sector
The global aerospace industry is undergoing a significant transformation, fueled by increased defense spending, renewed interest in space exploration, and the resurgence of commercial air travel. Eaton’s Orchard Park facility plays a vital role in supplying critical mission systems—including oxygen systems and actuation technologies—that support military aircraft, space missions, and commercial aviation platforms.
“The expansion in Orchard Park will allow us to keep up with the military’s growing demand on key defense programs,” said Kevin McKeown, senior vice president and general manager of Eaton’s Aerospace Group, Mission Systems division. “We will now expand actuation technology currently used exclusively by the U.S. Air Force to the U.S. Navy by significantly increasing our production capacity.”
This technology transfer and scale-up effort demonstrates Eaton’s ability to adapt and support multi-service applications, reinforcing its role as a key partner in national defense.
“Our investment in Orchard Park will ensure the site can serve defense, space and commercial aerospace customers well into the future,” McKeown added. “This isn’t just about growing a factory—it’s about strengthening the future of our aerospace capabilities and supporting the strategic missions of our customers.”
Local Economic Impact and Federal Support
The announcement has been well received by local and federal stakeholders. Representative Nick Langworthy (R-NY), whose district includes Orchard Park, praised the expansion, highlighting its importance to the region’s economic vitality and national security goals.
“I am very pleased by the news of Eaton’s monumental expansion in Orchard Park,” said Rep. Langworthy. “With growing demand for defense technology used by the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy, Eaton’s expansion will not only massively increase production capacity, but it will also create crucial jobs for the region. Congratulations to Eaton, and I look forward to supporting your mission on a federal level in any way that I can.”
The creation of 77 new skilled manufacturing positions is particularly noteworthy in a region with a strong industrial heritage. The project is expected to not only provide new employment opportunities but also stimulate local supply chains, benefiting contractors, engineers, and support service providers throughout Erie County and the greater Buffalo area.
Facility Enhancements: Efficiency, Capacity, and Sustainability
As part of the expansion, Eaton will consolidate key logistics operations—including shipping, receiving, warehouse, and stocking—under one roof. This move is designed to improve production flow, reduce lead times, and enhance operational agility.
“Consolidation of logistics functions is a key enabler of lean manufacturing,” noted a spokesperson from Eaton’s facilities team. “By integrating these areas, we streamline internal workflows, cut down on material handling time, and improve responsiveness to customer needs.”
The expansion will also include upgraded automation and equipment, further supporting Eaton’s ongoing digitalization and smart manufacturing initiatives. These enhancements align with Eaton’s broader strategy to embrace Industry 4.0 principles—leveraging data, connectivity, and intelligent systems to optimize energy usage and improve performance.
In keeping with the company’s commitment to sustainability, the expansion will incorporate energy-efficient infrastructure and adhere to Eaton’s global environmental standards. The facility already follows practices that minimize emissions and waste, and the new space will be designed to reduce its environmental footprint further.
A Legacy of Excellence in Aerospace
Eaton’s Orchard Park facility currently employs more than 450 people and has long been recognized as a center of excellence for mission-critical aerospace components. The site manufactures oxygen systems, actuation components, and other technologies used in high-stakes environments where reliability and performance are non-negotiable.
These systems are essential to ensuring the safety and success of a wide variety of aircraft and spacecraft—from military jets operating in combat zones to commercial airliners cruising at 35,000 feet and beyond-Earth missions supporting space exploration efforts.
The expansion reinforces Eaton’s role as a trusted supplier to U.S. Department of Defense programs, major aerospace OEMs, and space agencies. With this investment, the Orchard Park facility will become even more central to Eaton’s global aerospace operations.
Powering the Future Through Innovation and Responsibility
Founded in 1911, Eaton has grown into a global power management leader with operations in over 160 countries. In 2024, the company reported revenues of nearly $25 billion, underscoring its global reach and diversified portfolio across industries such as data centers, utilities, mobility, residential infrastructure, and aerospace.
The company’s mission is centered around improving quality of life and protecting the environment through intelligent power management solutions. Eaton is deeply committed to helping its customers and communities adapt to the megatrends of electrification and digitalization, which are reshaping how industries consume and manage power.
“We are guided by our commitment to do business right, operate sustainably, and help our customers manage power today and well into the future,” states the company’s official overview. Eaton’s investments in facilities like Orchard Park reflect this long-term strategy of aligning economic growth with sustainability and social responsibility.
Eaton’s $18.5 million expansion of its Orchard Park aerospace manufacturing site is more than just a facility upgrade—it’s a signal of long-term confidence in the region, the aerospace sector, and the company’s ability to lead in innovation, performance, and sustainable manufacturing.
As the demands on aerospace suppliers grow—driven by new defense priorities, surging commercial air travel, and an accelerating space race—Eaton’s expanded footprint in Orchard Park ensures it can continue to deliver mission-critical solutions at scale.
With new jobs, enhanced capabilities, and a deepened presence in Western New York, Eaton is positioning itself to meet the needs of today’s defense and aerospace customers—and those of tomorrow.
