Rolls-Royce broke ground last month on a $50 million jet engine test facility at NASA’s John C. Stennis Space Center in Mississippi. It is the company’s second test facility on the site and is expected to generate 35 new jobs. It will be used to conduct research, development, crosswind, thrust reverse, cycle and endurance tests on all Rolls-Royce civil aerospace engines.

James Guyette, chairman, president and CEO of Rolls-Royce North America said, “This state-of-the-art test facility will play a key role in our commitment to deliver excellent products to our customers…We are enhancing our global capabilities, including making investments in Mississippi, the United States and around the world.”

The Mississippi Development Authority is helping to support construction and workforce training at the facility, with support provided by Hancock County.