Ribbon-Cutting Marks Completion of a 50,000-Square-Foot Expansion and Renovations to Aurora’s Columbus, Mississippi Facility 

JESCO joined Aurora Flight Sciences leadership, elected officials, and community partners this week to celebrate the ribbon-cutting for Aurora’s $43 million facility expansion in Columbus, Mississippi. This milestone marks the latest chapter in JESCO’s longstanding partnership with Aurora, a repeat client the company has proudly built alongside for decades. 

The project included a 50,000-square-foot building expansion, featuring a 2,750-square-foot cleanroom, along with renovations to Aurora’s existing 126,000-square-foot facility, including interior office additions and exterior wall modifications. 

Federal, local, and state leaders echoed the significance of the investment. Sen. Roger Wicker, Rep. Trent Kelly, and Gov. Tate Reeves attended the event, highlighting the state’s growing aerospace and defense manufacturing footprint and Mississippi’s below-average unemployment rate. 

“Aurora is a great long-term partner that utilizes the latest and greatest technology to produce exceptionally high-quality aeronautical products for the military and private sector,” said Kelly Martin, Divisional Vice President at JESCO. “It’s a great feeling knowing our team had a part in renovating and constructing another facility that will support our national security and benefit the private sector, too.” 

 “Our project team’s hard work and long hours, coupled with their construction knowledge and experience, were instrumental in the planning, coordination, and execution of the project’s many facets and phases,” Martin said. “They maintained open, positive communication with the Owner’s representatives, provided prompt and accurate progress updates, and mitigated changes and challenges professionally and quickly.” 

Aurora Flight Sciences got its start roughly 20 years ago at Mississippi State University and has since grown into a premier aerospace manufacturer producing advanced unmanned systems for the U.S. Department of War. JESCO looks forward to continuing to build alongside Aurora as the company expands its presence in Mississippi and beyond.