VRC Metal Systems announced plans to construct a $1.56 million maintenance facility at Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier City, Louisiana. The Additive Manufacturing Rapid Maintenance Facility will focus on repairing B-52 aircraft and ground equipment using the company’s cold spray technology.
The project is expected to create 21 direct jobs for engineers and technicians with an average salary of $80,000, which is 156% of the average Bossier Parish wage. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the facility will generate an additional 25 indirect jobs, totaling 46 potential new positions in the Northwest Region.
VRC’s cold spray technology uses a high-pressure system to propel microscopic solid metal particles at supersonic speeds onto surfaces using a gas stream. This process eliminates the need for high-temperature melting and is designed to create faster and more cost-effective repairs compared to traditional methods.
“This is a great milestone in a long-standing relationship between VRC and Air Force Global Strike Command and will solidify Air Force Global Strike Command leadership in equipping the warfighter with the latest in technology,” said VRC Metal Systems CEO and co-founder Rob Hrabe. While VRC has used cold spray technology at other Air Force Global Strike Command bases, this marks the first deployment specifically for B-52 aircraft repairs.
The company expects to complete installation and staffing of the facility later this month. VRC will also train airmen to use the cold spray technology for missions both domestically and overseas.
Source: opportunitylouisiana.gov