PBS Aerospace’s Strategic Expansion: Establishing North American Operations in Georgia’s Thriving Aerospace Hub

PBS Aerospace’s decision to establish its North American headquarters in Roswell, Georgia, marks a pivotal moment in the company’s global expansion. As a leading manufacturers of precision-made turbojet engines, PBS Aerospace brings decades of European engineering expertise to the United States, investing $20 million into a new facility that aims to serve the growing needs of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied defense contractors. This expansion is not only a testament to the company’s confidence in the American market but also an illustration of Georgia’s emergence as a major aerospace industry hub, with an economic impact estimated at $57.5 billion statewide.

The new Roswell facility, which began production in the spring of 2025, is designed to manufacture thousands of small turbojet engines annually. These engines are critical for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), advanced munitions, and interceptor systems, technologies that are in high demand due to evolving global security challenges and the heightened importance of supply chain security for defense applications. The investment is expected to create at least 95 high-paying jobs, with projections of up to 150 jobs over five years, further strengthening Georgia’s skilled workforce and supporting the region’s economic development.

By aligning its advanced manufacturing capabilities with strategic partnerships, including those with Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Department of Defense, PBS Aerospace is positioning itself at the forefront of technological innovation and national security priorities. The convergence of European aerospace expertise and American industrial infrastructure in Georgia underscores the significance of this expansion for both PBS Aerospace and the broader U.S. defense manufacturing sector.

Historical Background and Corporate Evolution

PBS Aerospace operates as the American subsidiary of PBS Velká Bíteš, a Czech engineering company with roots dating back to 1950. The parent company, part of the larger PBS Group, originated in the Moravian region of the Czech Republic and initially focused on industrial equipment manufacturing. Over time, PBS Velká Bíteš diversified into the aerospace sector, beginning with the development of auxiliary power units for the Aero L-39 Albatros aircraft in the 1970s.

By the early 2000s, the company had expanded its portfolio to include turbojet, turboshaft, and turboprop engines for small crewed and uncrewed aircraft, UAVs, and target drones. Notably, PBS Velká Bíteš reached a milestone in 2020 with the production of its 1,000th TJ100 jet engine, a testament to its growing reputation in the specialized field of small turbine propulsion.

The company’s evolution has been guided by a commitment to quality and international standards, earning certifications from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and adhering to ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 protocols. Under the ownership of William Didden and the leadership of CEO Milan Macholan, PBS Velká Bíteš has transformed from a regional manufacturer into a globally recognized aerospace technology provider, setting the stage for its strategic entry into the U.S. market.

Strategic Investment and Facility Development

The establishment of the Roswell headquarters represents a carefully planned $20 million investment. The facility includes both a renovated building and a newly constructed site, designed to accommodate manufacturing, research and development, and administrative functions. Local government support, particularly expedited permitting and developer programs, enabled PBS Aerospace to transition from announcement to operational status in less than three months, a process that typically takes much longer in the aerospace industry.

Roswell was selected over competing sites in Texas and Florida due to its strategic advantages, including proximity to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and major interstate highways, as well as access to a skilled workforce supplied by Georgia Tech and other local institutions. The facility’s design emphasizes scalability, with initial production focused on the TJ40 and TJ80 turbojet engines and infrastructure in place to support rapid expansion as demand grows.

Production at the new facility began in April 2025, with the first engines tested at Georgia Tech. Full-scale operations were projected to ramp up by the summer, with initial deliveries to the U.S. Air Force scheduled for September. The investment also includes the establishment of PBS Aerospace’s first U.S.-based research and development operations, reflecting a long-term commitment to innovation and adaptation to American defense requirements.

“The rapid deployment of our Roswell facility demonstrates both PBS Aerospace’s operational expertise and the supportive business environment that Georgia offers to the aerospace industry.”

Production Capabilities and Manufacturing Technology

PBS Aerospace’s Roswell facility is equipped to produce a range of small turbojet engines, from the 100-pound thrust TJ40 to the planned 500-pound thrust TJ200. These engines are designed for integration into UAVs, advanced munitions, and other defense systems. The manufacturing process leverages advanced precision engineering techniques developed over decades in the company’s Czech operations, ensuring high reliability and performance for mission-critical applications.

The facility’s projected capacity is in the thousands of engines annually by 2026, with initial production focusing on hundreds of units during the startup phase. This scalability is facilitated by modular manufacturing layouts and quality management systems consistent with international aerospace standards. The integration with Georgia Tech for engine testing further enhances product development and quality assurance, exemplifying the benefits of academic-industry collaboration.

Advanced materials processing, including precision casting and cryogenic technology, supports the specialized metallurgical requirements of turbine components. The facility’s adherence to ISO 9001 quality protocols and alignment with EASA certifications ensures compliance with Department of Defense procurement standards and positions PBS Aerospace as a qualified supplier for major defense contractors.

Economic and Strategic Impact

The economic impact of PBS Aerospace’s investment extends well beyond the direct creation of high-paying jobs. The facility’s operations generate demand for local suppliers, logistics providers, and professional services, creating a multiplier effect throughout the Atlanta metropolitan region. With an expected payroll of over $14 million annually and the potential to hire up to 150 professionals, the project contributes to Georgia’s reputation as a center for high-skilled, high-wage employment.

The company’s presence strengthens Georgia’s aerospace sector, which supports over 800 companies and is the state’s leading export industry. PBS Aerospace’s integration into this ecosystem is likely to attract additional suppliers and partners, further consolidating the region’s status as a national aerospace hub. The investment also aligns with Georgia’s broader economic development strategy, which has seen a 14% increase in aerospace company locations in recent years.

Local and state government played a crucial role in facilitating the project, with coordinated support from the City of Roswell, the Georgia Department of Economic Development, and the Metro Atlanta Chamber. These partnerships reflect a collaborative approach that is increasingly necessary for attracting and retaining advanced manufacturing investments in a competitive global market.

“Georgia’s aerospace industry is valued at $57.5 billion, and PBS Aerospace’s investment is a significant addition to the state’s robust manufacturing ecosystem.”

Strategic Partnerships and Defense Applications

PBS Aerospace’s American operations are fundamentally structured around partnerships with major defense contractors, most notably Lockheed Martin. These collaborations provide market access, technical exchange, and opportunities to participate in high-profile defense programs, including potential involvement in the F-35 supply chain.

The company’s turbojet engines are used in a variety of unmanned systems and advanced munitions, supporting the urgent needs of the U.S. military and allied nations. Ongoing global conflicts, particularly the war in Ukraine, have underscored the importance of reliable domestic suppliers for critical defense technologies. PBS Aerospace’s capacity to produce thousands of engines annually directly addresses these requirements, enhancing the resilience of the U.S. defense industrial base.

Partnerships with international firms, such as Ukraine’s Ivchenko Progress, further illustrate PBS Aerospace’s commitment to collaborative innovation and support for allied defense needs. The development of the AI-PBS-350 engine and similar projects demonstrate the company’s ability to respond to evolving military requirements and to contribute to multinational defense initiatives.

Conclusion

PBS Aerospace’s investment in Georgia represents a convergence of technological innovation, economic development, and national security priorities. The establishment of a state-of-the-art manufacturing and R&D facility in Roswell not only creates immediate economic benefits but also strengthens America’s capacity to respond to current and future defense challenges. The company’s integration into Georgia’s aerospace ecosystem, supported by robust government and industry partnerships, serves as a model for successful international expansion in the defense sector.

Looking ahead, PBS Aerospace is well-positioned to capitalize on trends such as increased military adoption of unmanned systems, a growing emphasis on domestic manufacturing, and ongoing technological advancements in aerospace propulsion. The company’s commitment to quality, innovation, and strategic collaboration ensures its continued relevance and growth in the rapidly evolving landscape of global defense manufacturing.

FAQ

Question: What does PBS Aerospace manufacture at its new Georgia facility?
Answer: The facility produces small turbojet engines for unmanned aerial vehicles, advanced munitions, and interceptor systems, with capacity projected to reach thousands of engines annually.

Question: How many jobs will the new headquarters create?
Answer: The investment is expected to create at least 95 high-paying jobs initially, with projections of up to 150 jobs over five years.

Question: Why did PBS Aerospace choose Georgia for its North American headquarters?
Answer: Georgia was selected for its robust aerospace ecosystem, skilled workforce, proximity to major transportation hubs, and strong support from state and local government.

Question: Who are PBS Aerospace’s key partners in the U.S. defense sector?
Answer: Key partners include the U.S. Department of Defense and Lockheed Martin, with collaborative projects supporting both U.S. and allied military programs.

Question: What is the broader economic impact of PBS Aerospace’s investment in Georgia?
Answer: Beyond direct job creation, the investment supports local suppliers and service providers, strengthens Georgia’s aerospace cluster, and contributes to the state’s $57.5 billion aerospace industry.

Sources

• PBS Aerospace