Aerospace engineering firm announces $2.5M expansion in Fauquier

Missile and rocket propulsion engineering firm SPARC Research is investing $2.5 million to establish a 20,000-square-foot office and manufacturing facility on 4.5 acres near its current location in Warrenton, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam announced Wednesday.

The expansion, which will increase SPARC’s engineering capabilities and establish a manufacturing facility for rocket motor components, will create 16 jobs. Founded in 2017, SPARC provides aerospace engineering services including mechanical engineering and structural, thermal and aerodynamic rocket and ramjet design, as well as performance analysis and prototype demonstrations.

“We are excited to see a leader in advanced missile and rocket propulsion development like SPARC Research expand and diversify its operations in our commonwealth,” Northam said in a statement. “Among the many assets that make Virginia a great location for the aerospace industry, the skilled talent and strong higher education partnerships in the region will offer the company strong support for its manufacturing expansion in Fauquier County.”

SPARC Research President Patrick Hewitt said, “Virginia represents an ideal location for us to take the next step in our growth plan. The area offers ready access to our military customer base, as well as larger propulsion companies we work with, and the local universities also provide a steady stream of young engineering talent. We appreciate the assistance the state and local offices have provided along the way and we look forward to a continued relationship going forward.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Fauquier County to secure the project for Virginia and will support SPARC Research’s job creation through VEDP’s Virginia Jobs Investment Program (VJIP), which provides consultative services and funding to companies creating new jobs in order to support employee recruitment and training activities.