Washington, May 10, 2007 -

Congressman Patrick McHenry proudly welcomes VX Aerospace to Morganton, NC where it will locate its corporate headquarters and construct a new facility to manufacture aircraft. This new development is expected to generate approximately 400 new local jobs and expand the region’s manufacturing base. VX Aerospace is presently working with Western Piedmont Community College to provide the necessary training for its new workforce.

“This is great news for Burke and Caldwell Counties, and would not have happened without the diligent, persistent teamwork of the Foothills Regional Airport Authority, commissioners, mayors, and economic development folks,” said Congressman McHenry. “It’s exactly the type of investment our region needs to help revitalize our manufacturing base.”

VX Aerospace manufactures single-engine aircraft as well as composite parts for the U.S. Military’s Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV). The company will construct a 72,000 square foot manufacturing facility for aircraft construction and assembly at the Foothills Regional Airport. VX Aerospace will be the anchor tenant at the 800-acre Foothill Regional Airport Industrial Park.

“In addition to manufacturing top-notch aircraft, VX Aerospace plays a unique role in our nation’s war against Islamic extremists and defending America’s southern border. Their composite materials are used to manufacture UAVs, which are employed to track down terrorists and monitor illegals crossing our borders,” added McHenry.

The company’s initial investment of $5.5 million dollars is projected to create approximately 43 new jobs in the first year. Subsequently, VX Aerospace’s local manufacturing workforce is expected to grow by nearly 10 times in the next five years.