BOSSIER CITY, La. — VRC Metal Systems announced plans to open a $1.56 million maintenance facility at Barksdale Air Force Base that will focus on repairs for B-52 bombers and ground equipment using advanced cold spray technology.
The project is expected to create 21 direct jobs for engineers and technicians with an average salary of $80,000, according to Louisiana Economic Development. Another 25 indirect jobs are anticipated, bringing the total to 46 positions in Northwest Louisiana. The facility is scheduled to open later this month.
The new Additive Manufacturing Rapid Maintenance Facility will serve as a hub for repair solutions using VRC’s patented high-pressure cold spray process, which propels microscopic solid metal particles at supersonic speeds to strengthen and restore surfaces without high-temperature melting.
“This is a great milestone in a long-standing relationship between VRC and Air Force Global Strike Command and will solidify Air Force Global Strike Command leadership in equipping the warfighter with the latest in technology,” said Rob Hrabe, VRC Metal Systems CEO and co-founder.
State and local leaders said the project reflects broader momentum in Louisiana’s defense and aviation sectors. “VRC Metal Systems highlights the growing role of companies using innovative approaches to expand Louisiana’s defense and aviation sector,” Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois said.
BRF, which helped recruit the project through its Shreveport Next and Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program divisions, said the investment adds to efforts to build a regional defense industry cluster. “Together, we are helping Air Force Global Strike Command and Barksdale Air Force Base solve key challenges and advance the safety and defense of our nation and its warfighters,” BRF President and CEO Dr. John F. George Jr. said.
Cold spray technology has already been used to streamline supply chains at other Air Force Global Strike Command bases, but this marks the first application for B-52 aircraft. The facility will also provide training for airmen to deploy the method at home and abroad.
VRC Metal Systems is expected to participate in the state’s Quality Jobs program.