A large defense firm with major Dayton ties has applied for Economic Development/ Government Equity (ED/GE) funding to support the next phase of their grand regional plans.
The Sierra Nevada Company (SNC) recently completed construction of two aircraft maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) hangars at the Dayton International Airport. The firm now is looking ahead and requesting funds that will go towards the construction of an additional two aircraft maintenance hangars — to be known as MRO 3 and MRO 4 — at 3180 Old Springfield Road, representing the next phase of the project for SNC to grow in the Miami Valley.
SNC is requesting $1 million in ED/GE grants for the $98 million project. Both hangars are estimated to cost $47 million each and are planned to occupy 13 and eight-acres, respectively, on the airport campus under a long-term ground lease.
The project scope includes a total fixed asset investment of $104 million, with $94 million allocated to hangar construction. Additional investments include a warehouse and office space, equipment and training resources, resulting in an $11 million price tag.
“As part of Project Catapult Ohio, this expansion is essential to support our recently awarded contract with the U.S. Air Force, which requires immediate infrastructure enhancements,” reads the application.
The project will result in the retention of 147 previously pledged jobs and the creation of 200 additional new jobs in Montgomery County. The additional 200 jobs would yield a payroll of nearly $22 million, with an average salary of around $109,000.
“Besides the new jobs themselves, the project will yield additional income tax and economic multiplier effects across the regional economy,” said the application. “It will also support regional strategies around aerospace, defense, and supporting the needs of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.
Sierra Nevada has received significant funding towards the project from JobsOhio, but the amount is uncertain as it is labeled “confidential” on the application. The city of Dayton is planning to award a significant matching grant, subject to approval, which will be announced in the near future.
Construction of MRO 3 would commence in early January, according to the application, and wrap up in Dec. 2025. MRO 4 would begin construction in June 2025 with a finish date one year later in June 2026.
Nevada-based Sierra Nevada, a provider of advanced technology solutions and open architecture integrations, previously selected a site at the Dayton International Airport for its new aircraft maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities. The first 100,000-square-foot hangar marked the first large aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul facility constructed in the Dayton region since WWII.
The project has rapidly expanded its local footprint, which also includes an office in Beavercreek.
Dayton-Area U.S. Department of Defense Contractors
2023 prime awards
Rank | Prior Rank | Organization |
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1 | 1 | Peerless Technologies Corp. |
2 | 2 | Messer Construction Co. |
3 | 3 | Applied Research Solutions |
View this list