When PBS Aerospace, a Czech company with over two centuries of experience in defense manufacturing, began searching for a U.S. base to expand its production of small turbojet engines, it considered locations across the country. Ultimately, the company selected Roswell in metro Atlanta, citing the region’s engineering talent, efficient local government processes, and strong veteran workforce.
Katrina Singletary, who led international relations and recruitment as part of Roswell’s economic development team, described the approach: “Focusing on relationship building, we were invited on a trade mission trip to the Czech Republic, where we interacted locally with a Czech company that was going to be expanding into the U.S. market.” She added that Roswell’s team offered an expedited permitting process called the “White Glove Program,” which delivered permits within three days and aimed for 24-hour turnaround. “That cut their costs down significantly,” Singletary said. “And we made it happen. That personal, authentic approach made all the difference.”
Roswell Mayor Kurt Wilson supported this strategy and encouraged his team to innovate: “Failure is okay, but the key is to try.” He explained his vision for economic development: “Our job is to install trust in our people, in our businesses, and show that government at the local level can work at the speed of business. Let’s be entrepreneurial, let’s be innovative, let’s be adaptive, and let’s be responsive.”
PBS Aerospace officially chose Roswell on February 4 after an in-person pitch in Prague. By April they had moved into their new facility; by May they were testing their first engine at Georgia Tech. CEO Erin Durham stated: “Roswell was chosen because of the community, the schools, and the world-class talent pipeline. Georgia Tech and other institutions provide highly talented engineers who help us grow and continue to produce jet engines.”
A major factor in PBS Aerospace’s decision was access to veterans in metro Atlanta’s workforce. Durham noted: “We’re very proud that 71% of our technicians are veterans. They bring safety, discipline, and deep knowledge to our company.” Technician Kenneth Mahone echoed this sentiment: “Working at PBS feels like family. A lot of guys here are veterans, so it gives us camaraderie.” He added: “Everybody’s mission-driven.”
Chris Beebe, engineering manager and Georgia Tech graduate based in metro Atlanta, highlighted opportunities for young engineers at PBS Aerospace: “At a big aerospace company you might design a single bolt. Here engineers get to take on large design scopes and get exposure to all facets of the business.” Beebe also pointed out that metro Atlanta offers both technical career opportunities and livable communities.
The initial investment by PBS Aerospace includes plans for a 10,000-square-foot expansion underway now and future construction of a 100,000-square-foot facility tailored to their needs. The project will create 200 jobs with a median salary of $150,000 and represents an investment of $20 million.
Durham emphasized long-term goals: “Our leadership team in Prague is thrilled with the city of Roswell and the statewide support we’ve seen to get this facility operational. I came here to build something with a real impact. The metro area gave us exactly what we needed – access to top-tier technicians, strong schools, and engineering talent ready to help us grow and innovate. We’re not just operational; we’re positioned for long-term success.”
Mayor Wilson summarized Roswell’s commitment: “We didn’t just want PBS today. We wanted them to know they’d be valued here 10 or 20 years down the line. And we’re going to keep showing them that.”
PBS Aerospace’s arrival highlights metro Atlanta’s appeal as an aerospace hub due in part to its proximity to Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport—one of the busiest airports globally—and regional supply chain infrastructure.
