Big employers working on state-of-the-art technology is a great indicator of a strong rental market and Mesa, Arizona is adding a new one.
Virgin Galactic has revealed plans to establish a state-of-the-art spaceship manufacturing facility in Mesa, Arizona, marking a significant stride in its next-generation Delta class spaceships’ production. The facility, set to be fully operational by 2024 near the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, is positioned to play a vital role in the assembly line for Virgin Galactic’s Delta fleet, supporting the ambitious goal of 400 flights annually from Spaceport America. This expansion is expected to generate hundreds of highly skilled aerospace engineering and manufacturing jobs in the region, contributing to Mesa’s growing economy, job market, and housing sector.
Situated in the Greater Phoenix area, the Mesa facility is strategically located between Virgin Galactic’s existing operations in Southern California and New Mexico. The company anticipates that the facility, currently under construction, will become a hub for assembling Delta class spaceships and adopting cutting-edge manufacturing processes supported by a digital twin architecture. This technological approach aims to enhance collaboration with suppliers, ensuring real-time coordination and efficiency. Virgin Galactic’s CEO, Michael Colglazier, expressed enthusiasm about tapping into the exceptional aerospace talent in the Greater Phoenix area, emphasizing the facility’s role in accelerating the production of the Delta fleet and driving revenue growth.
Beyond the aerospace advancements, the Mesa facility’s operationalization is poised to have a transformative impact on the local economy, fostering job growth, skill development, and potentially influencing the housing market. As Virgin Galactic seeks to realize its vision of regular, profitable, and accessible space travel, the Mesa facility stands as a pivotal component in the company’s strategy, further integrating Arizona into the forefront of the commercial space exploration industry.
