MRO & Manufacturing
Hartzell Propeller Opens Innovation Center with JobsOhio Grant
Hartzell Propeller launches a 150,000 sq ft Innovation Center in Ohio with $2M JobsOhio grant, focusing on carbon fiber and Advanced Air Mobility R&D.
This article is based on an official press release from Hartzell Propeller.
Hartzell Propeller Opens Innovation Center with $2M JobsOhio Grant
Hartzell Propeller has formally opened its new Innovation Center in Piqua, Ohio, supported by a $2 million grant from JobsOhio. The facility represents a significant expansion of the company’s headquarters and is designed to accelerate research and development in advanced manufacturing and aviation technology.
According to the company, the new center will serve as a hub for carbon fiber composite manufacturing and the development of next-generation propulsion systems, including those for the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) sector. The opening ceremony, held on February 20, 2026, highlighted the company’s ongoing collaboration with state economic development programs to secure Ohio’s position in the aerospace industry.
Investment and Facility Expansion
The $2 million award was provided through the JobsOhio Research & Development Center Grant Program, an initiative aimed at fostering corporate R&D within the state. In its press release, Hartzell Propeller stated that the grant complements its own substantial capital commitment. The company has already invested $30 million in the facility and equipment, with plans to invest an additional $10 million over the next five years.
The Innovation Center is located at 1900 Covington Avenue, adjacent to Hartzell’s existing main facilities. The expansion adds more than 150,000 square feet to the company’s operational footprint. JJ Frigge, President of Hartzell Propeller, emphasized the scale of this upgrade in a statement:
“Purpose-built to support the next chapter of advanced propeller innovation, this facility more than quadruples our carbon fiber production footprint and reinforces our ‘Built on Honor’ commitment to quality, performance, and support.”
Consolidating Operations
The new building will house several critical functions under one roof. According to Hartzell, these include:
- All carbon fiber propeller blade production.
- Manufacturing for WhirlWind Propellers (a brand associated with experimental and airboat markets).
- The Hartzell Service Center.
- Dedicated Research and Development operations.
Focus on Advanced Air Mobility
A primary driver for the new center is the emerging Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) market. Hartzell Propeller noted that the facility will enable critical R&D for electric propulsion, citing its ongoing collaboration with Beta Technologies. In July 2025, Hartzell received FAA Part 35 Type Certification for a propeller designed specifically for electric aircraft, a milestone achieved through its work with Beta.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine attended the opening, framing the investment as a continuation of the state’s aviation legacy.
“The newest investment establishing Hartzell’s Innovation Center demonstrates how legacy suppliers are leading the charge in next-generation aviation and supporting Ohio’s position as a leader in aerospace innovation and advanced air mobility,” DeWine said.
JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef added that the decision to build in Piqua aligns with the state’s broader strategy, noting that Ohio has invested more than $1.2 billion in advanced aerospace manufacturing and infrastructure over the last five years.
AirPro News analysis
The establishment of the Hartzell Propeller Innovation Center signals a strategic pivot for the legacy manufacturer. By consolidating carbon fiber production and R&D in a dedicated 150,000-square-foot facility, Hartzell is effectively separating its advanced composite operations from traditional metal manufacturing. This distinction is crucial as the industry shifts toward electric and hybrid-electric propulsion, where weight savings and aerodynamic efficiency, primary benefits of carbon fiber, are paramount.
Furthermore, the involvement of JobsOhio highlights the competitive nature of the AAM supply chain. State governments are increasingly willing to subsidize R&D infrastructure to ensure that established aerospace hubs, like Ohio, retain their relevance as the market transitions away from conventional combustion engines. For Hartzell, the grant likely serves as both financial support and a validation of its long-term bet on the electric aviation sector.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the value of the grant awarded to Hartzell Propeller?
JobsOhio awarded Hartzell Propeller a $2 million grant through its Research & Development Center Grant Program.
Where is the new Innovation Center located?
The center is located at 1900 Covington Avenue in Piqua, Ohio, adjacent to the company’s main headquarters.
What activities will take place at the new facility?
The center will house all carbon fiber blade production, WhirlWind Propellers manufacturing, the Hartzell Service Center, and R&D operations focused on Advanced Air Mobility.
Sources
Photo Credit: Hartzell Propeller
MRO & Manufacturing
West Star Aviation Posts 84% AOG Rate After DCJet Acquisition
West Star Aviation achieved a record 84% AOG acceptance rate in May 2026 after acquiring DCJet and expanding its technician network.
MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) provider West Star Aviation achieved a record 84% acceptance rate for Aircraft on Ground (AOG) requests in May 2026, following a strategic expansion of its technician workforce.
In a press release issued on June 5, 2026, the company attributed the capacity increase to its March 3, 2026, acquisition of DCJet. The integration expanded West Star Aviation’s dedicated AOG network to over 250 technicians, up from 200, positioning the firm to handle higher volumes of unscheduled maintenance events ahead of the summer travel season.
DCJet acquisition drives network expansion
The March acquisition of DCJet added five new locations to West Star Aviation’s nationwide footprint: Dulles International Airport (IAD), Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), Orlando International Airport (MCO), Boeing Field (BFI), and Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU).
The expanded workforce is supported by a 24/7/365 AOG control center staffed by 12 controllers. This centralized coordination allows the MRO provider to dispatch technicians, tooling, and ground support equipment across its network to minimize operator downtime.
Gary Lee, Vice President of AOG at West Star Aviation, stated that the added resources are essential for meeting customer needs during critical periods of high demand.
“With access to tooling and GSE across our network, we’re poised to respond quickly, safely, and effectively wherever our customers need us,” Lee said in the release.
Infrastructure growth and satellite facilities
The AOG capacity improvements coincide with broader infrastructure investments by the company, which employs over 3,000 professionals and has 79 years of industry experience.
On June 2, 2026, West Star Aviation announced the opening of its fifth satellite location at Addison Airport in Texas. The new 40,000-square-foot hangar provides scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, AOG support, and avionics upgrades specifically targeting the Dallas metroplex.
Stephen Maiden, CEO of West Star Aviation, noted that the DCJet integration strengthens the company’s ability to support business aviation operators with faster response times, greater coordination, and increased technical depth in the field.
AirPro News analysis
The business aviation sector relies heavily on rapid AOG response to maintain dispatch reliability, particularly during peak travel months. By acquiring an established AOG provider like DCJet rather than attempting to scale organically, West Star Aviation has immediately secured both trained personnel and strategic airport access. The reported 84% acceptance rate in May 2026 indicates that the integration is already yielding operational dividends. We expect MRO consolidation to continue as larger providers seek to capture regional market share and alleviate industry-wide technician shortages through strategic acquisitions.
Sources: West Star Aviation
Photo Credit: West Star Aviation
MRO & Manufacturing
PPG Aerospace Briefing Highlights Capacity and Innovation
PPG outlined its aerospace growth strategy at a June 2026 analyst briefing, featuring 3D printed sealants and electrocoat primers.
Global coatings and specialty materials manufacturer PPG detailed its strategic focus on capacity expansion and technological innovation during an aerospace business briefing for industry analysts on June 9, 2026.
In a press release issued from its Pittsburgh headquarters, the company outlined how its nearly 100-year legacy in transparencies, coatings, and sealants is driving long-term organic sales growth to meet multi-year industry demand. PPG, which reported $15.9 billion in net sales for 2025, currently markets its products in more than 50 countries.
Showcasing aerospace product innovations
The analyst session highlighted specific technological advancements designed to deliver customer productivity across the commercial aviation, military, and general aviation sectors. Among the featured products were PPG PRC Seal Caps, PPG ARE 3D Printed Sealants, and the PPG AEROCRON Electrocoat Primer.
These offerings represent the company’s ongoing investment in aerospace manufacturing efficiency and material performance. Sam Millikin, Senior Vice President of Global Aerospace at PPG, emphasized the division’s role in the broader corporate portfolio.
“Our Aerospace deep dive was a tremendous opportunity to highlight the business that is powering PPG’s organic growth,” Millikin stated. “We were thrilled to share with our analyst community the strategy, technology offerings, and customer solutions that make PPG’s Aerospace business unique.”
Meeting multi-year industry demand
The aerospace sector is currently experiencing sustained demand for both Commercial-Aircraft and military platforms. PPG’s presentation to the analyst community signals a strategic alignment to capture this growth through specialized product lines and expanded production capacity.
AirPro News analysis
We view PPG’s emphasis on 3D printed sealants and electrocoat primers as a direct response to original equipment manufacturer (OEMs) demands for faster assembly times and reduced aircraft weight. As commercial aircraft production rates climb to meet global backlog requirements, suppliers that can offer measurable productivity gains on the factory floor are positioned to secure long-term contracts. The focus on organic growth suggests PPG intends to leverage its existing technological base rather than relying heavily on acquisitions to expand its aerospace market share.
Sources: PPG (via Business Wire)
Photo Credit: PPG
MRO & Manufacturing
Do228 NXT Completes First Flight Ahead of ILA 2026 Debut
GA-ATS flew the Do228 NXT demonstrator on May 2, 2026, ahead of its public debut at ILA Berlin in June.
General Atomics AeroTec Systems (GA-ATS) will publicly unveil the Do228 NXT demonstrator aircraft at the ILA 2026 airshow in Berlin, marking the official restart of series production for the modernized twin-turboprop platform in Germany.
The upcoming debut, scheduled for June 10 to 14, 2026, follows the aircraft’s successful first flight from the company’s Oberpfaffenhofen facility on May 2, 2026. According to a press release issued by GA-ATS, the Do228 NXT integrates next-generation avionics and composite manufacturing refinements while retaining the short take-off and landing (STOL) capabilities of the legacy Dornier 228.
Flight testing and public debut schedule
The Do228 NXT demonstrator is currently undergoing a production test flight campaign. Engineering teams are evaluating the aircraft’s flight characteristics across various altitudes, speeds, and operational scenarios to validate the updated systems before its public presentation.
Martina Hierle, Test Pilot and Program Manager at GA-ATS, commanded the May 2 flight. She stated that the aircraft performed flawlessly and demonstrated its readiness for demanding global missions.
“This successful first flight is the result of incredible dedication and hard work from the entire team. With the Do228 NXT, we now have a modern aircraft that carries the legacy of the Do228 into the future,” Hierle said.
At ILA 2026, the aircraft will feature a special livery and appear in the static display area. Following the Berlin event, GA-ATS will present the Do228 NXT to the international market at the Farnborough Air-Shows in Hampshire, United Kingdom, from July 20 to 24, 2026.
Production restart at Oberpfaffenhofen
The original Dornier 228 completed its first flight nearly 45 years ago. The General Atomics Group acquired the Oberpfaffenhofen production facility approximately five years ago with the explicit goal of re-establishing a Manufacturing line for the updated airframe. The modernized Do228 NXT is positioned for versatile roles, including maritime patrol, disaster response, and passenger or Cargo-Aircraft transport.
GA-ATS Managing Director Craig Simpson described the aircraft as an answer to the demands of modern aviation rather than a simple upgrade. The company plans to conduct extensive customer demonstrations, trade show appearances, and demo tours throughout the remainder of 2026 to showcase the platform’s special mission equipment and modernized cabin.
AirPro News analysis
The successful flight of the Do228 NXT demonstrator represents a significant industrial milestone for the German aerospace sector, effectively reviving a proven utility airframe with modern systems. We view the integration of contemporary avionics and composite components as a necessary step to keep the platform competitive against other twin-turboprop utility aircraft in the special mission and regional cargo markets. The decision by General Atomics Group to invest in the Oberpfaffenhofen line indicates strong anticipated demand for rugged, STOL-capable aircraft in maritime and disaster response applications, where the legacy Dornier 228 previously excelled.
Sources: General Atomics AeroTec Systems
Photo Credit: General Atomics AeroTec Systems
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