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Every day in Indianapolis, skilled men and women are building the advanced engines that power our military and protect our service members. As a veteran and the leader of Rolls-Royce here in the United States, I feel both responsibility and pride every time I walk our factory floors. What I see is more than technology on display. I see Indiana’s commitment to hard work, ingenuity and community. I see Hoosiers coming together with a singular purpose: to deliver for our warfighters when it matters most.
Indiana has always been a state that answers the nation’s call. From the early 1900s, when James Allison started building engines that would become vital to the Allies’ victory during World War II, Indiana has been at the center of American innovation and strength. Today, that spirit is alive and well. In our shops, classrooms and research labs across the state, Hoosiers are leading the way for the next generation of defense and manufacturing capability.
This year, Rolls-Royce’s investments reached a total of $1 billion to fully revitalize our Indiana manufacturing operations, making it our largest U.S. commitment to date. This was not just a business decision. It was a vote of confidence in the talent, grit and drive of Indiana’s people. With this investment, we have transformed legacy buildings and aged equipment into world-class, high-tech facilities that will serve Indiana and the defense of our nation for decades to come.
Today, thanks to the team’s expertise and dedication, our engines power some of the most vital aircraft in operation. That includes the engines powering the C-130s that carry troops and deliver humanitarian relief around the globe, the engines that are propelling new unmanned naval aircraft and, very soon, engines that will power the future of Army aviation with the MV-75 Cheyenne and give the legendary B-52 Stratofortress modern and efficient power. Much of our cutting-edge technology is conceived right here in our LibertyWorks facility, and all of it is built right here in Indiana.
The impact of this work goes well beyond our gates. Since 2001, our people have built more than 14,000 engines in Indianapolis. Each engine supports Indiana families, strengthens the local economy and helps keep our communities thriving. Rolls-Royce now employs approximately 3,500 talented professionals here, and nearly one in 10 are veterans. Their sense of mission — building products that truly matter and giving back to their communities — sets a standard that echoes across the state.
We have also initiated a hiring campaign aimed at recruiting several hundred seasoned engineers into our Indiana locations. This is an investment designed to accelerate innovation and expand our advanced manufacturing footprint. These are not only good jobs. They fuel careers, create opportunities and inspire the next generation to aim higher.
Indiana succeeds because of its people and its smart investments in the future. Gov. Mike Braun has made workforce development a top priority, and this summer, Indiana moved quickly to launch the federal Workforce Pell program, making it easier for people to earn short-term credentials in advanced manufacturing and other in-demand fields. Among the state’s first approved partners was Vincennes University.
This is the same strategic partner we trust to train our own power-plant mechanics like Derek Alderson. Derek has been with Rolls-Royce for 20 years on our AE engine production and assembly lines. Through Vincennes, he completed 1,500 hours of FAA-regulated instruction to earn a power-plant technician rating, opening the door to new opportunities at Rolls-Royce and deepening our bench of highly qualified technicians. This is a great example of what is possible when industry, educational institutions and government work together.
We are proud to help keep that momentum going. Rolls-Royce has partnered with Purdue University for decades. We recently invested more than $150 million building research and test facilities while deepening our relationship with a $75 million research and testing agreement — the largest in Purdue’s history. This is a model worth doubling down on: pairing capital investment with a deliberate talent strategy so new factories have a skilled workforce ready to go. It takes real effort and teamwork from companies and the state. That is Indiana’s advantage — not just attracting new plants but keeping them here for decades.
At Rolls-Royce, we are proud to be part of Indiana’s story. Here, innovation is real, opportunity is built and collaboration runs deep. Together, we will keep Indiana at the heart of American manufacturing for the next hundred years and beyond.•
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Riddle is president of Rolls-Royce Defense and CEO of Rolls-Royce North America.
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