WAKE FOREST, NC – An aircraft manufacturer is tapping Wake Forest for a new Integration Facility expected to create 125 engineering and manufacturing jobs over the next few years.
Blue Force Technologies, Inc., an industry leader in the design and manufacture of airframes and components for small aircraft up through spacecraft, plans to invest a minimum of $3 million in the facility formerly occupied by 3Phoenix, Inc., located at 204 Capcom Ave.
“It’s a great day for Wake Forest as we welcome Blue Force and these new jobs to our community,” said Wake Forest Mayor Vivian Jones. “Wake Forest is clearly an attractive destination for business and industry. Companies like Blue Force know we offer the skilled workers and business climate they need to succeed.”
Blue Force is adding the Capcom facility to support its recent contract award for developing the Fury aircraft (shown in image). The company was awarded a contract by the U.S. Air Force for $50 million to design, build, and test four Fury aircraft. The unmanned aircraft will initially be deployed throughout the United States to train fighter pilots by providing a threat-representative system that can emulate high-end Russian and Chinese fighters. In conjunction with this contract, Blue Force was awarded a Strategic Funding Increase (STRATFI) for up to $15 million. The new facility will provide the space and infrastructure to support the production of up to five aircraft per month.
“Given that the facility is the former home to defense contractor 3 Phoenix, Wake Forest was a perfect match for Blue Force,” said Scott Bledsoe, President of Blue Force Technologies, Inc. “We are thrilled to make this investment in the thriving community of Wake Forest, and we appreciate the partnership with the Town and Wake County to make our expansion possible.”
The collaborative efforts of the Town of Wake Forest, the Wake Forest Business & Industry Partnership, and Wake County Economic Development attracted Blue Force to Wake Forest. The company will be eligible for up to $384,000 from the Town of Wake Forest and Wake County over five years if it meets certain job-creation and investment thresholds.
“Partnerships are what make announcements like this one with Blue Force Technologies possible,” said Shinica Thomas, Vice Chair of the Wake County Board of Commissioners. “I’m proud that our economic development team has worked closely with the Town of Wake Forest and the company to bring this impressive facility to a part of Wake County designated as a prime location for job growth and inclusive economic mobility.”
While salaries will vary by position, when projected hiring is reached, the average annual salary for the company’s new jobs will exceed $81,000. The Wake County average annual wage is just under $64,000.
“With its consistent long-term growth, highly educated workforce, and a legacy of supporting successful businesses in the development of pioneering technologies, Wake Forest is proud to add the innovative work and team of Blue Force to its business community,” said Jason Cannon, Wake Forest Economic Development Director & President of the Wake Forest Business & Industry Partnership, the entity leading economic development efforts for the Town. “The future appears very bright for this company’s further growth, and we look forward to a long and mutually-beneficial relationship in the years ahead.”
For more information, contact Jason Cannon at 919-435-9418 or jcannon@wakeforestnc.gov.
###
For more information about the Town of Wake Forest, contact Communications & Public Affairs Director Bill Crabtree at 919-435-9421 or bcrabtree@wakeforestnc.gov.
