Moog Fortifies US Defense Base with $150M New York Facility

EAST AURORA, NY – August 14, 2026 – In a move that fuses corporate heritage with national strategic interest, Moog Inc. has inaugurated a state-of-the-art manufacturing center, marking its 75th anniversary with a powerful statement of intent. The new 150,000-square-foot Advanced Integrated Manufacturing (AIM) facility in East Aurora represents a $150 million investment, part of a larger $300 million commitment to its Western New York operations over the last five years. More than a ribbon-cutting, the event signals a deepening of the company's role as a linchpin in the U.S. defense industrial base and a core driver of regional economic vitality.

Founded in an East Aurora airplane hangar in 1951 on the back of Bill Moog's groundbreaking servo valve, the company has grown into a global leader in precision motion control. Today, its technology is indispensable in sectors from space exploration to medical devices. This latest investment, however, is squarely aimed at reinforcing its critical aerospace and defense capabilities, a move that resonates with the current geopolitical emphasis on supply chain resilience and domestic manufacturing.

“Today's celebration is about more than opening a building,” said Pat Roche, President & CEO of Moog Inc., at the ceremony. “It reflects our confidence in Western New York, our employees, and the future of advanced manufacturing.”

Powering the Defense Industrial Base

The AIM facility is a direct response to the increasing demand for high-precision components in military hardware. It is engineered to revolutionize the production of tight-tolerance parts for flight control actuation systems, which are essential for the maneuverability and safety of military aircraft. By consolidating machining cells and integrating advanced robotics, automation, and inspection technologies, Moog aims to significantly increase production capacity and efficiency. Over the next few years, nearly 1,500 different parts will be transitioned into the new facility, beginning with the highest-volume products supporting critical U.S. military programs.

This enhancement of manufacturing velocity is not merely an operational upgrade; it is a strategic imperative. In an era of renewed great-power competition, the Department of Defense has prioritized strengthening the domestic industrial base to ensure a reliable supply of mission-critical technology. Moog's investment aligns perfectly with this national security goal, enhancing technological superiority and reducing reliance on fragile global supply chains. The facility provides the flexibility to support not only current aircraft but also next-generation platforms, positioning the company at the forefront of defense innovation.

"The AIM facility brings together people, process and technology in a way that strengthens our ability to deliver high-quality, safety-critical products while creating a safer, more efficient environment for our employees," stated Mark Graczyk, President of Moog Military Aircraft. This integration is crucial for maintaining a technological edge in a rapidly evolving defense landscape that includes hypersonic systems and increasingly sophisticated autonomous aircraft.

An Economic Anchor for Western New York

While the AIM facility's strategic importance is national, its economic impact is profoundly local. Moog stands as one of Western New York’s largest advanced manufacturing employers, with over 4,300 employees—roughly 30 percent of its global workforce—based in the region. Last year alone, the company injected nearly half a billion dollars in local wages and spent approximately $40 million with over 200 regional suppliers.

The new facility is the crown jewel of a multi-year, $300 million investment spree in the area. Other recent projects include a 120,000-square-foot expansion of its Space Actuation and Avionics operations and a new propulsion clean room in Niagara Falls that will boost production capacity for satellite and missile technologies by over 80 percent. This sustained investment has been met with local and state support, including nearly $3 million in tax abatements from the Erie County Industrial Development Agency for the AIM facility, underscoring a successful public-private partnership.

“For 75 years, Moog has stood as a crown jewel of New York manufacturing, transforming Western New York into a global hub for aerospace and technological innovation,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. Officials across the political spectrum echoed this sentiment, recognizing the company's role in creating stable, high-paying careers. “The investment in this new AIM facility shows that the next 75 years can be just as successful as the first,” added Congressman Nick Langworthy.

Investing in Tomorrow's Innovators

Recognizing that advanced hardware is only as good as the minds that create and operate it, Moog has paired its capital investment with a significant commitment to human capital. In honor of its 75th anniversary, the company announced a new STEM scholarship initiative, funding 75 scholarships of $1,951 each—a nod to its founding year.

This is not a token gesture. The scholarships will be administered through four powerhouse local organizations dedicated to building a diverse and skilled workforce: Buffalo Prep, which champions educational access for students of color; Dream It Do It Western New York, which connects students directly with manufacturing career paths; the Northland Workforce Training Center, a hub for advanced manufacturing and energy sector training; and Say Yes Buffalo, which provides comprehensive support to remove barriers to education and employment.

These partnerships are a strategic effort to address the persistent skills gap in advanced manufacturing and engineering, ensuring a robust talent pipeline for decades to come. It complements Moog's own 13,000-square-foot Operations Training Center, opened last year to provide hands-on training and career development.

“Investing in future innovators is one of the most meaningful ways we can celebrate this milestone,” Roche explained. “Our success has always depended on talented people, and these scholarships will help create opportunities for the next generation of engineers, technicians and problem-solvers.” The presence of Nancy Aubrecht, daughter of founder Bill Moog, and the recognition of multi-generational employee families at the event further highlighted the deep, personal connection between the company and the community it has helped build.