Beehive Industries is expanding its manufacturing operations in Southwest Ohio with a US$70 million investment that will create more than 200 new jobs, strengthening the region’s position as a major hub for aerospace and defense manufacturing.
The announcement was made by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, JobsOhio, REDI Cincinnati and Beehive Industries during the Farnborough International Airshow in the United Kingdom, one of the world’s leading aerospace and defense events.
The project is expected to accelerate advanced aerospace manufacturing while supporting workforce development and long-term industrial growth across Ohio. State officials say the investment also reflects confidence in Beehive’s expansion plans and reinforces Ohio’s growing role in the U.S. defense supply chain.
Governor Mike DeWine said the company’s decision to expand in Southwest Ohio highlights the state’s ability to attract advanced manufacturing projects while strengthening America’s defense capabilities. He added that the investment will allow Ohio to produce next-generation military engines faster than previously thought possible.
Beehive specializes in the design and construction of 3D-printed jet engines for unmanned aerial defense systems. The company’s model is to design engines specifically for additive manufacturing and to build engines within a fully domestic supply chain, with the intent of reducing development and manufacturing timelines from years to months, while also reducing costs and increasing production capacity.
“The expansion is really related to the skilled workforce in the area and the aerospace expertise that’s been there for a long time,” said Gordie Follin, chief product officer at Beehive Industries. He said Southwest Ohio offers a unique combination of engineering knowledge and precision manufacturing capabilities, making it an ideal location for the company’s continued growth.
Beehive is already accelerating production of its Frenzy™ jet engine family, supported by a US$29.7 million contract from the U.S. Air Force. The company recently announced the largest publicly disclosed purchase of EOS metal 3D printers, more than doubling its additive manufacturing capacity.
To further strengthen its production capabilities, Beehive also acquired two precision machining companies in the Greater Cincinnati area—Able Tool Corporation and Planet Products Corporation—creating a dedicated Production Machining Center of Excellence. Combined, these investments should support annual production of more than 8,000 jet engines.
The expansion comes as the United States places greater emphasis on strengthening its domestic defense industrial base and reducing dependence on fragile supply chains. Ohio officials say the state’s economic development strategy focuses on preparing industrial sites in advance, streamlining permitting processes and developing a skilled workforce capable of supporting advanced manufacturing.
JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef said Beehive represents the type of high-value manufacturing that reinforces Ohio’s leadership in aerospace and defense. He added that companies can develop, test and scale advanced technologies in the state while benefiting from a business-friendly environment.
An incentive package is currently being developed to support the expansion. Beehive is expected to apply for a Job Creation Tax Credit through the Ohio Department of Development, while JobsOhio also plans to provide additional financial assistance once final agreements are completed.
REDI Cincinnati President and CEO Kimm Lauterbach said Beehive’s continued investment demonstrates the strength of Southwest Ohio’s aerospace ecosystem, which already generates more than US$6 billion in economic activity. She believes the latest expansion further establishes the region as a leading destination for next-generation aerospace manufacturing and innovation.
Beehive’s Chief Operations and Finance Officer, Darius Ehteshami, praised the collaboration between the company, state officials and regional economic development partners, saying their support has created a model for modern defense manufacturing that other U.S. states could look to replicate.
