JGA Space & Defense migrates from racing to rockets and creates 40 vacancies with US$25 million in Huntersville
The company, resulting from the acquisition of Joe Gibbs Manufacturing Solutions by Torque Capital Group, plans to begin operations in a new 60,000 square foot facility in the first quarter of 2026.
The investment aims to increase production capacity for rocket and defense components, doubling the current staff of more than 30 employees.
Mecklenburg county officials confirmed the project, which maintains the headquarters in Reese Boulevard and includes the option to double the space.
Transition from racing to aerospace
The acquisition occurred in November 2025, when Torque Capital Group purchased the manufacturing division of Joe Gibbs Racing. Essa operation marked the renaming to JGA Space & Defense, focusing on supplies for space and defense.
The company, based in Huntersville, evolves from parts for high-performance racing vehicles to rocket engine insulators and hypersonic nozzles. Terry Culmone, co-investor and strategic consultant at JGA, highlighted the importance of Mecklenburg for the company’s initial and future growth.
The value of the transaction was not revealed, but the new direction aligns JGA with demands from the US national defense sector.
New installation details
The new unit occupies the address 11731 Patterson Road, Suite 350, in the complex North Chase at The Park. The 60,000 square foot space allows for immediate production expansion for key customers in the aerospace sector.
Opening is scheduled for early 2026, with a focus on environmentally controlled manufacturing for precise components. The option to double the size meets projected demand for innovations in solid rocket propulsion.
This infrastructure supports the transition to military applications, including nozzle assemblies for hypersonic speeds.
Current employees, more than 30, work in roles such as machining and engineering, with the expansion bringing the total to around 70.
Profiles of new positions
The 40 positions include roles in machining, quality control and engineering, with an average annual salary of US$55,000.
The company is looking for qualified professionals to operate advanced equipment in special composites and machined components.
- Vacancies in machining: Foco in precision for rocket engine parts.
- Quality control: Verificação of standards for defense applications.
- Engineering: Desenvolvimento of solutions for space propulsion.
These roles require experience in high-performance manufacturing, adaptable to sectors such as motorsport.
Recruitment begins in January 2026, prioritizing local talent in Mecklenburg County.
Context of the aerospace sector in the region
Carolina of Norte records growth in aerospace, with recent investments exceeding US$5 billion in a decade. Empresas like RTX and Boom Supersonic expanded facilities, creating thousands of jobs.
Huntersville benefits from proximity to universities such as UNC Charlotte, which graduate approximately 5,300 students in aerospace engineering annually. The state is home to leaders in defense, with a focus on national supply chains.
JGA integrates into this ecosystem, providing components for space explorers and national security.
Similar projects, such as the expansion of Pratt & Whitney into Asheville with US$285 million and 325 jobs, illustrate regional dynamism.
The emphasis on hypersonic innovation aligns the JGA with federal advanced defense priorities.
Torque Capital growth strategy
Torque Capital Group, specialized in North American manufacturing, injects financial and operational resources into JGA. Seu aerospace and mobility expertise supports escalation into defense markets.
The group plans to support expansion with strategic partnerships, ensuring mission-critical quality for innovative customers.
Culmone emphasized the commitment to Huntersville as a foundation for advances in precision engineering.
This acquisition reflects private equity trends in high-tech sectors, with a focus on stable supplies for Pentágono.
Contributions to the local economy
The investment of US$25 million boosts the economy of Mecklenburg, generating an impact on regional supply chains. Autoridades locations project tax and job training benefits.
The doubling of the workforce strengthens the industrial profile of Huntersville, attracting complementary suppliers.
- Increase in tax revenue: Estimado by initial US$2 million annually.
- Educational partnerships: Colaboração with training institutions.
- Stimulus for SMEs: Demanda for logistical services and materials.
The project reinforces Mecklenburg as a hub for advanced manufacturing, with more than 10 thousand jobs in the aerospace sector in the state.
