Huntsville, AL, August 19, 2025
News Summary
The Huntsville City Council approved financial incentives for Parsons Corporation and Performance Drones Works, leading to the creation of over 700 new jobs and an estimated $91 million economic impact. Parsons is investing $5 million for 198 positions, while PDW’s $9.1 million investment will generate 525 jobs. Both companies are enhancing their facilities and committing to job retention over five years, underscoring the importance of these expansions for the local economy and future developments.
Huntsville Welcomes Over 700 New Jobs with Expansion of Parsons Corporation and Performance Drones Works
The Huntsville City Council has given the green light to financial incentives for two major companies, Parsons Corporation and Performance Drones Works LLC (PDW), resulting in the creation of more than 700 new jobs. This expansion marks a significant boost for the city’s economy, with projections estimating an economic impact of approximately $91 million.
Parsons Corporation is investing $5 million to add 198 new positions, which will offer a minimum salary of $100,559. Meanwhile, PDW is making a larger investment of $9.1 million, creating 525 jobs with a minimum salary of $105,580, not including benefits. The incentives provided by the city include funding for recruitment, training, and relocation of new employees, which totals approximately $1,200 per job for Parsons and $1,000 per job for PDW.
The expansion of Parsons Corporation includes a newly completed 50,000-square-foot high-bay facility and the issuance of a permit for an additional $1.2 million building. PDW is also set to enhance its operations with a new 100,000-square-foot facility opening next week on Diamond Drive. Both companies have committed to maintaining these jobs over a five-year performance period to ensure that the city retains its investment of about $237,000 for Parsons.
As for PDW, the rapid growth from a small start-up to employing 90 people underscores the importance of this expansion for local employment opportunities. The Mayor of Huntsville, Tommy Battle, underscored the generational significance of these new jobs, emphasizing their potential for long-term local economic growth.
Details of Financial Incentives
- Parsons Corporation: $1,200 per job, total investment $237,000.
- Performance Drones Works: $1,000 per job, paid in increments as jobs are added.
- Five-year performance period: Jobs must be sustained for the city to retain its investment.
Community Impact
Both companies are poised to significantly influence the local economy. The aggregate new employment positions are expected to contribute around $91 million to the Huntsville community, enhancing the region’s economic foundation and fostering further business ventures.
Future Development
In addition to the developments by Parsons and PDW, the Athens Business Park aims to provide flexible leasing options for local entrepreneurs and is set to open in 2026. This business park, located at 1651 Jefferson Street SE in Athens, will further support the area’s economic growth and development, with CBRE serving as the leasing agent.
Conclusion
The expansion of Parsons Corporation and Performance Drones Works reflects Huntsville’s commitment to fostering a robust business environment, enhancing job opportunities, and ultimately promoting sustainable economic growth for the future.
FAQ
How many new jobs will be created in Huntsville?
The expansion will create over 700 new jobs in Huntsville.
What are the minimum salaries for the new positions?
Parsons Corporation will offer a minimum salary of $100,559, while Performance Drones Works will offer a minimum salary of $105,580, excluding benefits.
What incentives are provided by the city?
The city will provide financial incentives for recruitment, training, and relocation, amounting to about $1,200 per job for Parsons and $1,000 per job for PDW.
Key Features of the Expansion
| Company | Investment | New Jobs | Minimum Salary | Facilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parsons Corporation | $5 million | 198 | $100,559 | 50,000 sq. ft. (new building permit for $1.2 million) |
| Performance Drones Works, LLC | $9.1 million | 525 | $105,580 | 100,000 sq. ft. (opening next week) |
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Additional Resources
- AL.com: Huntsville Companies Expanding
- Wikipedia: Economic Development
- Hville Blast: New Businesses in Huntsville
- Google Search: Huntsville Business Expansion
- Hville Blast: New Business Park in Athens
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Job Creation
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
