Governor Josh Stein announced that JetZero, Inc., an aviation company, will invest over $4.7 billion in Greensboro to establish its first commercial airplane manufacturing facility at the Piedmont Triad International Airport. This project is expected to create more than 14,560 jobs in Guilford County by 2063, marking the largest economic development initiative in North Carolina’s history based on job commitment.
Governor Stein expressed enthusiasm about the project: “I am thrilled to welcome JetZero and its 14,000 good-paying jobs and unprecedented innovation to Guilford County.” He emphasized North Carolina’s historical connection to aviation and its skilled workforce.
JetZero is a start-up focused on designing and manufacturing the Z4 blended-wing body jet. The California-based company was founded in 2020 and has partnerships with organizations such as NASA, Siemens, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, RTX, and BAE Systems. The new facility will include advanced manufacturing capabilities for an all-wing jet and a research center for composite structures aimed at reducing carbon emissions.
Tom O’Leary, CEO of JetZero, highlighted North Carolina’s advantages: “North Carolina offers the ideal combination of talent, infrastructure, and forward-thinking leadership to support our mission to reshape aviation.”
N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley noted that North Carolina’s aerospace cluster makes it a top choice for manufacturers: “JetZero will benefit from our Tier 1 research institutions and community colleges.”
The new positions at JetZero will range from engineers to technicians with an average annual salary of $89,340. This exceeds Guilford County’s average salary of $60,195 and could result in an annual payroll impact exceeding $1.3 billion.
A Transformative-class Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) was awarded to facilitate JetZero’s operations in North Carolina. Over 37 years, this project could grow the state economy by $259.4 billion. If performance targets are met annually by creating at least 10,000 jobs within specified terms, grant payments may extend up to 29 years.
Senator Phil Berger stated that JetZero’s decision reinforces North Carolina’s leadership in aerospace innovation: “Our state’s high-tech manufacturing renaissance wouldn’t be possible without the General Assembly’s commitment.”
Senator Sydney Batch described the project as transformational for both Guilford County and North Carolina: “Projects like this create a ripple effect that strengthens our entire state.”
Speaker of the House Destin Hall remarked on Greensboro’s business environment being conducive for innovation due to this investment: “This $4.7 billion investment…will be a generational boost.”
Representative Robert Reives emphasized attracting investments through local talent while Senator Michael Garrett saw it as proof of confidence in their workforce capabilities.
Representative John Blust celebrated efforts transitioning towards an innovation economy with collaboration among officials aiding JetZero’s decision-making process.
Key partners involved include various educational institutions along with government bodies like N.C Department Of Transportation or Duke Energy among others contributing towards making these developments possible across regions surrounding Greensboro where career opportunities would soon become available via NCworks.gov platform connecting employers directly seeking skilled talents statewide efficiently too!
