Firehawk to Build $16.5M Rocket Factory

Firehawk Aerospace, Inc. announced February 18 that it would spend $16.5 million to build a new rocket plant in Crawford, Mississippi. According to a statement released by the Mississippi Development Authority, the factory will hire 100 workers to produce Firehawk’s defense rockets and motors.

The defense startup announced it had agreed to buy the 636-acre plot in December, but hasn’t provided details of its planned manufacturing operation at the site until now. Firehawk notably builds its rockets using a proprietary 3D-printed propellant, which it says makes manufacturing the explosives faster, cheaper and safer.

According to the Mississippi Development Authority, Firehawk will receive tax assistance via the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive (MFLEX) program, for an unspecified amount.

In a statement, Firehawk CEO Will Edwards said the company picked Mississippi because of the presence of skilled employees and a commitment to manufacturing.

“Mississippi stood out to us because of its pro-industry leadership, deep talent pool and commitment to advanced manufacturing,” Edwards said. “As Firehawk works to modernize and scale rocket production for U.S. defense, we look for partners who move with urgency and clarity, and we found that here. This facility will play a critical role in strengthening national security while creating high-impact technical jobs in the region.”

Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves, in an accompanying statement, credited the move with the state’s lack of regulations.

“Firehawk Aerospace chose Mississippi because we’re built for companies that refuse to wait,” said Gov. Reeves. “We move faster and deliver the workforce and infrastructure innovative aerospace companies demand—without red tape. Lowndes County and the Golden Triangle are proving once again that Mississippi isn’t watching the future take shape; we’re building it. The state of Mississippi is proud to support Firehawk as it brings high-paying, high-tech jobs to the people of Lowndes County.”

“Mississippi continues to prove that the future of aerospace and defense is not limited to the coasts — it is being built in communities across our state,” said MDA Executive Director Bill Cork. “Mississippi has been in the rocket business for more than 60 years, and companies like Firehawk Aerospace choose our state because they know they can innovate, grow and compete at the highest level while advancing technologies critical to our nation’s security.”