Hartzell Propeller opens Innovation Center with $2 million grant
By Maggie Huss
Hartzell Propeller, headquartered in Piqua, has been advancing aircraft propeller design and manufacturing since it was first founded in 1917. With a $2 million grant from JobsOhio, they will continue to advance their operations through the opening of the Hartzell Proller Innovation Center. Opening on Feb. 20, the expansion represents more than $10 million invested over the next five years.
“The grand opening of the Hartzell Propeller Innovation Center represents a major step forward for Hartzell Propeller,” President of Hartzell Propeller JJ Frigge says. “Purpose-built to support the next chapter of advanced propeller innovation, this facility more than quadruples our carbon fiber production footprint and reinforces our ‘Built on Honor’ commitment to quality, performance and support.”
The Innovation Center will house and focus on three critical functional areas for the company, including all Hartzell carbon fiber propeller production, WhirlWind experimental and airboat propeller production and the factory’s Piqua-based Hartzell Service Center, a key member of the Hartzell Global Services network.
“Hartzell Propeller has been the cornerstone of Ohio’s aerospace since the Wright Brothers were developing aircraft here and the company continues to evolve,” Ohio Governor Mike DeWine says. “The newest investment establishing Hartzell’s Innovation Center demonstrates how legacy suppliers are leading the charge in next-generation aviation and supporting Ohio’s position as a leader in aerospace innovation and advanced air mobility.”
Currently, Hartzell Properller employs 350+ people at their headquarters and commits to creating new jobs in the area. The building that is housing the Hartzell Propeller Innovation Center, located at 1900 Covington Avenue, is adjacent to the main Hartzell facilities. The expansion will add more than 150,000 square feet to the current footprint.
“Combined with the support of JobsOhio, the Innovation Center also enables critical research and development for emerging markets such as Advanced Air Mobility, including our collaboration with Beta Technologies,” Frigge says. “Together, this investment accelerates our ability to transform ideas into certified, real-world solutions that advance aviation today and well into the future.”