AV Expands U.S. Manufacturing with FreedomWerx in Salt Lake City
AeroVironment (AV), a global leader in autonomous and intelligent multi-domain systems, has officially announced the establishment of FreedomWerx, a state-of-the-art advanced manufacturing facility in Salt Lake City, Utah. This significant expansion marks a key milestone in AV’s distributed production strategy, reinforcing the company’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge autonomous solutions to its government and defense partners.
The introduction of FreedomWerx represents a fundamental shift in AV’s approach to manufacturing and supply chain resilience. Unlike traditional single-location, hyperscale facilities, AV’s distributed production model is designed to enhance national security by ensuring resilient manufacturing and uninterrupted delivery of mission-critical autonomous systems.
By maintaining multiple strategically positioned production sites, AV effectively mitigates risks associated with natural disasters, security threats, and geopolitical disruptions. This forward-thinking approach not only fortifies the supply chain but also ensures operational readiness and sustainability, solidifying AV’s position as a trusted partner to the Department of Defense (DoD) and allied forces worldwide.
Strategic Location and Economic Impact
Situated just minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport, FreedomWerx is strategically positioned to maximize logistical efficiencies and optimize supply chain operations. The facility’s prime location offers direct access to key transportation hubs, enabling AV to streamline production and distribution processes effectively. This strategic placement will significantly reduce transit times and enhance the company’s ability to meet the increasing demand for precision-strike autonomous systems.
Beyond its strategic advantages, FreedomWerx is expected to be a major economic driver for the state of Utah. AV projects that the facility will generate more than 500 high-paying jobs, fostering economic growth and positioning Utah as a leader in advanced manufacturing and defense innovation. These employment opportunities will span across engineering, manufacturing, logistics, and support roles, attracting top-tier talent and further strengthening the region’s aerospace and defense sector.
Collaboration and Government Support
The successful establishment of FreedomWerx is the result of a collaborative effort between AeroVironment and several key Utah-based organizations, including the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO), the Utah Inland Port Authority (UIPA), and the Economic Development Corporation of Utah (EDCUtah). These partnerships have played a critical role in facilitating AV’s expansion, offering strategic economic incentives and infrastructure support to ensure the success of the project.
Wahid Nawabi, AV chairman, president, and chief executive officer, underscored the importance of this expansion in strengthening national defense capabilities.
“AeroVironment’s autonomous precision-strike systems have revolutionized modern warfare, providing warfighters with the ability to neutralize high-value threats with unprecedented accuracy while minimizing risk to friendly forces,” Nawabi stated. “The establishment of this facility represents a critical step in our mission to expand manufacturing capacity, ensuring our forces have the technological superiority needed to deter and, if necessary, decisively defeat adversaries.”
Ryan Starks, executive director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, emphasized Utah’s pivotal role in advancing aerospace and defense technologies.
“Utah is the ideal hub for advancing aerospace and defense technologies that are vital to national security and economic growth,” Starks said. “Strategic investments like this create jobs, accelerate innovation, and reinforce Utah’s leadership in aerospace and defense. Supporting companies like AV strengthens our state’s economy while driving cutting-edge advancements in the industry.”
Scott Cuthbertson, president of EDCUtah, echoed similar sentiments, welcoming AV to Salt Lake City and recognizing the company’s contribution to the region’s technological ecosystem.
“We’re thrilled to welcome AV to Salt Lake City,” Cuthbertson said. “As a leading defense technology company, AV’s expansion will not only bring high-quality jobs to the region but will also further solidify Salt Lake City’s position as a premier hub for advanced manufacturing and defense innovation. We look forward to the long-term contributions they will make to our economy and community.”
Ben Hart, executive director of UIPA, highlighted how AV’s expansion aligns with Utah’s vision of becoming a leader in advanced manufacturing and aerospace innovation.
“AV’s expansion is a testament to Utah’s growing leadership in advanced manufacturing and aerospace innovation,” Hart stated. “By leveraging our strategic infrastructure and economic incentives, we are helping to create high-quality jobs and support a cutting-edge industry that is critical to both national security and technological advancement. We look forward to seeing AV thrive in Salt Lake City and contribute to Utah’s dynamic economy.”
Advancing Next-Generation Autonomous Capabilities
AV has announced that FreedomWerx is expected to begin production in the second half of 2025, significantly scaling the company’s manufacturing capabilities to meet evolving defense requirements. This expansion aligns with AV’s strategic investment in next-generation autonomous capabilities, ensuring U.S. and allied forces remain equipped with advanced, precision-strike solutions tailored for modern conflicts.
As the global threat landscape continues to evolve, AV remains at the forefront of technological innovation, agility, and battlefield superiority. The company is dedicated to advancing autonomous and intelligent systems that enhance mission effectiveness while reducing risk to personnel. By leveraging state-of-the-art manufacturing processes and cutting-edge technology, AV continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in autonomous defense solutions.
Looking Ahead: AV’s Commitment to Innovation and Growth
The establishment of FreedomWerx marks not only a significant expansion of AV’s manufacturing footprint but also a broader commitment to driving innovation, supporting national defense, and fostering economic growth. With Utah emerging as a key player in the aerospace and defense sector, AV’s investment in Salt Lake City reinforces the state’s position as a hub for technological advancement and job creation.
As FreedomWerx prepares for its 2025 launch, AV will continue working closely with government partners, industry leaders, and local stakeholders to ensure a seamless integration of operations. The company remains focused on developing state-of-the-art autonomous systems that meet the dynamic challenges of modern warfare, solidifying its reputation as a global leader in defense technology.
Through this strategic expansion, AV is not only strengthening its manufacturing capabilities but also reinforcing its unwavering commitment to national security, technological innovation, and sustained economic growth. FreedomWerx represents the next chapter in AV’s journey—a bold step forward in delivering autonomous solutions that define the future of defense and security.
