Joby Aviation is making a significant stride in the electric aviation sector by investing $61.5 million in a new, expansive manufacturing facility in Ohio. This strategic acquisition underscores the company's commitment to scaling up production of its innovative electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The move is expected to not only double the company's current production capabilities but also cement Ohio's role as a pivotal hub in the future of aerospace manufacturing, building on its rich aviation history.
Joby Aviation's Strategic Expansion in Ohio
On January 8, 2026, Joby Aviation Inc. officially announced its plans to acquire a sprawling 700,000-square-foot aerospace facility near Dayton, Ohio, for $61.5 million. This substantial investment is a key part of Joby's long-term strategy to dramatically increase its manufacturing output for electric air taxis. The company aims to achieve a production rate of four aircraft per month by 2027, significantly contributing to the burgeoning advanced air mobility market.
Operations at the newly acquired Ohio site are slated to commence later this year, complementing Joby's existing production facilities in California and its current Ohio operations. JoeBen Bevirt, the visionary founder and CEO of Joby Aviation, emphasized that this expansion is crucial for transitioning the company from an engineering-focused entity to a powerhouse in large-scale manufacturing. He highlighted the facility's potential not just for immediate production increases but also for facilitating substantial future growth.
The decision to select Dayton was highly strategic, given its historical significance in aviation, being the birthplace of powered flight and home to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. This location offers access to a highly skilled aerospace workforce and robust policy support from state officials. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Senators Bernie Moreno and Jon Husted lauded Joby's investment, recognizing its potential to create numerous skilled jobs and reinforce Ohio's leadership in advanced manufacturing. Representative Michael Turner also echoed these sentiments, celebrating the project as a continuation of Dayton's storied aviation legacy.
Joby's expansion aligns perfectly with broader federal initiatives aimed at accelerating the adoption of advanced air mobility. The U.S. Transportation Department's plans to launch the eVTOL Integration Pilot Program in 2026 further support the company's trajectory. This move follows other recent expansions by Joby, including enhancements to its Marina, California plant and the initiation of propeller blade production in Ohio, alongside investments in new equipment to boost assembly capacity. As the competition in the eVTOL sector intensifies, with companies like Archer Aviation Inc. also making significant strides, Joby's strategic investments in manufacturing are poised to solidify its position in the urban air mobility market.
This bold expansion by Joby Aviation is a testament to the accelerating pace of innovation in electric air travel. It suggests a future where urban air mobility is not just a concept but a tangible reality, with Ohio playing a crucial role in bringing this vision to fruition. The commitment of both Joby and the state of Ohio to this advanced technology could serve as a blueprint for other regions looking to foster high-tech manufacturing and sustainable transportation solutions.
