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 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.
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.”
The new building will house several critical functions under one roof. According to Hartzell, these include:
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. 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.
What is the value of the grant awarded to Hartzell Propeller? Where is the new Innovation Center located? What activities will take place at the new facility?
Hartzell Propeller Opens Innovation Center with $2M JobsOhio Grant
Investment and Facility Expansion
Consolidating Operations
Focus on Advanced Air Mobility
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
JobsOhio awarded Hartzell Propeller a $2 million grant through its Research & Development Center Grant Program.
The center is located at 1900 Covington Avenue in Piqua, Ohio, adjacent to the company’s main headquarters.
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