Joe Gibbs Manufacturing Sold, Rebranded As JGA Space & Defense; $25M Expansion Planned

Torque Capital Group acquired Joe Gibbs Manufacturing Solutions from Joe Gibbs Racing. The firm rechristened it JGA Space & Defense. Plans call for pumping more than $25 million into a Huntersville plant expansion that will generate 40 jobs. Mecklenburg County officials unveiled the transaction on Monday.

The acquisition signals a pivot from performance racing work to dedicated space and defense manufacturing. JGA Space & Defense will produce components for the military, including hypersonic rocket nozzles.

The company secured 60,000 square feet of manufacturing space in Huntersville, where headquarters occupies Reese Boulevard. Operations launch in the first quarter of 2026. An option exists to double the footprint should future demand warrant it.

"This investment, expansion and rebranding represent an exciting new chapter for JGA Space & Defense," said Jonathan Saltzman, Managing Partner of Torque Capital Group. "As growth-oriented entrepreneurs and operators, we are closely aligned with JGA's legacy of precision, innovative engineering and excellence, and we are proud to support pivotal roles in the supply chains for both national security and space exploration."

The sale price wasn't disclosed. Torque and its principals will provide financial and operational resources to support growth.

JGA manufactures advanced specialty composites and assemblies for solid rocket motor propulsion systems. It also produces precision machined parts for aerospace, space, defense, and select racing applications.

New positions will include machinists, quality control specialists, and engineers. The average salary will be $55,000, according to county data.

"We're proud to break ground on our new state-of-the-art facility in Mecklenburg County because this is where our business began and where we want its promising future to continue to grow," said Terry Culmone, JGA co-investor and strategic advisor, in a statement, according to the Charlotte Observer.

Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners Chair Mark Jerrell called the expansion a positive development. "This expansion is another clear reminder that Mecklenburg County is a place where new and evolving businesses can thrive and create real opportunity for our community," Jerrell said, according to Mecklenburg County.

Huntersville Mayor Christy Clark expressed support for the project. "We are so pleased that JGA Space & Defense is choosing to invest in Huntersville and help our community continue to thrive," she said.

The project reflects coordination among Mecklenburg County, the Town of Huntersville, and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina. Companies such as AVL Manufacturing, HSP US, and Groninger USA have received support from the county's office of Economic Development in the past.