Electra and Beehive Boost Ohio’s Aerospace Footprint

The state of Ohio secured two aerospace manufacturing investments announced at the Farnborough International Airshow this week, with Electra selecting the state for its first aircraft factory and Beehive Industries expanding its existing operations there. On Tuesday, Electra confirmed it will build its EL9 Ultra Short hybrid-electric aircraft in Springfield, while Beehive said it will scale up production of its 3D-printed engines for uncrewed aircraft in the Cincinnati area.

According to Virginia-based Electra, its $850 million investment in what it called the “anchor” production site for the in-development nine-seater will create 1,975 jobs. The facility at AirPark Ohio next to Springfield-Beckley Municipal Airport is expected to build up to 800 aircraft per year, starting at a rate of 400 from 2030.

Denver-based Beehive announced its $70 million investment alongside Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, saying it will add more than 200 jobs in the southwest of the state. The company’s Frenzy engine is starting full-rate production backed by a $29.7 million U.S. Air Force contract.

In June, Beehive announced plans to more than double its metal additive manufacturing capacity. It acquired two precision machine shops, Able Tool Corporation and Planet Products Corporation, to establish a production machining center in the Cincinnati region. Together, the company said, these investments are building the manufacturing capacity required to produce more than 8,000 engines annually.