Two major economic development projects to bring more than 700 jobs to Huntsville
Published on August 19, 2025
The City of Huntsville entered into project development agreements with two companies that will significantly expand job opportunities and capital investment.
The agreements with Performance Drone Works (PDW) and Parsons Corporation will create more than 700 jobs as well as a combined $14 million in new facilities. Due to the size and scope, each company will be eligible for City incentives for employee training, recruitment and relocation, as well as other development incentives.
Mayor Tommy Battle said these projects reflect the City’s continued focus on fostering high-tech, high-paying jobs.
“Huntsville’s economy thrives when visionary companies choose to invest and grow here,” Mayor Battle said. “Performance Drone Works and Parsons are leaders in their fields, and their decision to expand in Huntsville shows confidence in our workforce, our business climate, and our future.”
Performance Drone Works
PDW plans to open an 87,720 square foot facility at 400 Diamond Drive in Thornton Research Park as part of a $9.1 million capital investment.
Known as “Drone Facility 01,” the facility will focus on developing and producing cutting-edge small robotics for military and government operations.
The project will create 525 new jobs in Huntsville’s growing defense and technology sector with an average annual salary of more than $105,000.
The City of Huntsville will incentivize up to $500,000 as PDW hits its hiring benchmarks.
Parsons Corporation
Parsons is expanding its existing facilities at 401B Diamond Drive NW in Thornton Research Park as part of a $5 million capital investment.
Parsons is a leading digitally enabled solutions provider in the defense, intelligence, and critical infrastructure markets,
The company’s continued investment reinforces Huntsville’s role as a hub for innovation and national security missions and plans to add 198 new jobs with an average annual salary of more than $100,000.
The City of Huntsville will incentivize up to $237,600 as Parsons hits its hiring benchmarks.
Shane Davis, Huntsville’s Director of Urban and Economic Development, emphasized the scale of the opportunities.
“Adding more than 700 jobs across two cutting-edge companies is a testament to the strength of our economy and the value of our strategic investments in infrastructure and quality of life,” Davis said. “These projects will bring new career opportunities and lasting benefits to our community for decades to come.”