Joby Expands Manufacturing Capacity in California and Ohio
- Garth Calitz
- Jul 22
- 3 min read
Joby Aviation has announced significant developments at their Marina, California site, where they are doubling their aircraft production capacity. The facility now spans approximately 435,500 square feet, facilitating the expansion of their commercial operations. Additionally, they have introduced a new aircraft to their fleet, enhancing their flight test program.
“Reimagining urban mobility takes speed, scale, and precision manufacturing. Our expanded manufacturing footprint in both California and Ohio is preparing us to do just that,” said Eric Allison, Chief Product Officer. “We celebrated the opening of the new facility with the flight of our sixth aircraft, which earned airworthiness certification within a week of completion.”
The opening of the new manufacturing space is a big step forward as Joby gets ready to scale production and enter the market. Achieving this comes down to three key strengths:
Committed to American Innovation: Leveraging exceptional talent at its facilities in California and Ohio, Joby is dedicated to designing, building, and testing its aircraft within the United States. By employing advanced data analytics and 3D printing technologies, Joby manufactures components that are lighter, stronger, and more adaptable. With the recent expansion of its Marina facility, the company aims to create hundreds of full-time positions to support the escalation of aircraft production.
Advantage of Vertical Integration: Joby manages almost every facet of its aircraft and air taxi service internally, encompassing design, manufacturing, pilot training, and operations. This vertical integration facilitates expedited development, ensures quality, and accelerates testing and certification processes. Additionally, it enables Joby to swiftly and efficiently adapt its platform for alternative applications, such as testing its hybrid hydrogen-electric propulsion.
Close Collaboration with Toyota: Toyota engineers are closely collaborating with the Joby team, offering guidance to enhance Joby's efforts in design, manufacturing, and quality. Additionally, Toyota assists the Joby team in optimising processes, streamlining assembly, and providing expertise in the development of custom tooling to expedite production.
Upon reaching full operational capacity, the expanded Marina site is anticipated to produce up to 24 aircraft annually, equating to nearly one aircraft every two weeks. The site will also offer essential capabilities, such as its initial FAA production certification, conforming ground and flight testing components, pilot training simulators, and aircraft maintenance.
This site enhances Joby's extensive manufacturing network, which comprises three other facilities: Santa Cruz, CA, the headquarters responsible for innovation and system architecture; San Carlos, CA, dedicated to powertrain and electronics; and Dayton, Ohio, a recently renovated facility designed to manufacture and test aircraft components for Joby’s Pilot Production Line. The Dayton location exemplifies the capabilities necessary for FAA production certification and aligns with the Company’s strategy to expand operations. Equipment installation is currently in progress, with plans to scale production to eventually reach an annual output of up to 500 aircraft at this site.
The successful realisation of the expanded facility was significantly aided by robust support from the local workforce, community-based organisations, elected officials, city and county leaders, and nonprofit partners. In 2023, Joby received a $9.8 million grant from the California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) to expedite its growth. Additionally, the company benefited from a program through the California State Treasurer’s Office, which contributed to a $10 million reduction in equipment costs. This support has been crucial in advancing Joby’s current scaling efforts and its vision for the future of flight.
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