Cirrus Aircraft Opens Expanded Manufacturing Facility in Grand Forks, North Dakota
Why It MattersThe expansion signals rising composite-manufacturing capacity in general aviation as Cirrus scales production for both existing aircraft and its new TRAC10 training aircraft program.
Cirrus Aircraft has opened its expanded manufacturing facility in Grand Forks, North Dakota, representing a multi-million-dollar investment in composite manufacturing capacity. The expansion adds more than 30,000 square feet to the existing site, enabling an optimized production layout intended to streamline movement of composite parts, improve automation, integrate equipment with business systems, and enhance workplace safety.
The Grand Forks facility employs approximately 500 people, with around 80% in direct manufacturing operations spanning composite production, CNC machining, engineering, quality assurance, and training. The site produces composite parts supporting Cirrus's product portfolio, including the SR Series piston aircraft and the Vision Jet, the best-selling jet in general aviation. CEO Zean Nielsen said the expansion also positions Grand Forks to manufacture composites for the new TRAC10 flight training aircraft, crediting partnerships with the City of Grand Forks, the State of North Dakota, the Bank of North Dakota, and the University of North Dakota. Pat Waddick, president of Innovation and Operations at Cirrus, said the facility has played a critical role in the company's manufacturing strategy for decades and that the expansion improves the working environment while increasing capacity for future growth.
Founded in 1984, Cirrus Aircraft operates seven locations across the United States, including its headquarters in Duluth, Minnesota.
