Cirrus has opened an expanded manufacturing facility in Grand Forks, North Dakota, adding more than 30,000 square feet of production space to support demand for its SR Series piston aircraft and Vision Jet.

The expansion provides additional production capacity and an optimised layout that streamlines the movement of composite parts through the manufacturing process. The extra footprint enables greater automation, improved integration between equipment and business systems and better workplace safety.

Zean Nielsen, Chief Executive Officer at Cirrus, says: “This expansion reflects our continued investment in our people, our products, and the Grand Forks community. By adding more than 30,000 square feet, creating new jobs, and enhancing our workplace for our team members, we’re positioning Cirrus for continued growth, including making Grand Forks the location where we will manufacture composites for the TRAC10 flight training aircraft.”

Pat Waddick, President of Innovation and Operations at Cirrus, adds: “Grand Forks has played an essential role in Cirrus’ growth and manufacturing strategy for decades. Our success starts with our people and our supportive community. This investment allows us to create an even better environment for our team while expanding the capacity and capabilities needed to support our continued growth.”

The Grand Forks facility employs around 500 people, with approximately 80 per cent of the workforce dedicated to direct manufacturing operations. Teams across manufacturing, engineering, safety and quality assurance, CNC machining, human resources and training work at the site, which produces composite parts for Cirrus aircraft. The facility will also manufacture composites for the TRAC10, Cirrus’ newest flight training aircraft programme. The expanded facility officially opened on August 14.