North Wind Celebrates Major Milestone in Development of Minnesota Aerospace Complex in Rosemount

St. Paul, MN – January 16, 2026 — Today, North Wind hosted federal, state, and local leaders, community members, and project partners to recognize the Minnesota Aerospace Complex and those who made it possible. The $1.4 billion investment will bring a new aerospace research and testing center to Rosemount, Minn.—delivering economic, technological, and national security benefits for Minnesota and the nation. 

Built on 60 acres of long-unused, environmentally impacted land at UMore Park, the Minnesota Aerospace Complex will transform the site into one of the most advanced aerospace research and ground testing facilities in the United States. When operational, the MAC will include hypersonic wind tunnels and facilities for engineering, digital simulation, and testing, supporting emerging flight technologies for government and commercial aerospace. 

Arthur Mabbett, CEO of North Wind, commented: “The Minnesota Aerospace Complex is a major step toward transforming UMore Park into one of the most advanced aerospace testing centers in the country. This public–private–academic partnership will strengthen our national security and create new economic opportunities in Minnesota. We are grateful for the broad support that made this possible and look forward to continuing this work together.”

Broad Support for a Project of National and Local Impact 

Speakers at the event included members of Minnesota’s congressional delegation, state legislative leaders, federal officials, and Rosemount and Dakota County representatives. Each underscored the importance of the project to national defense readiness, Minnesota innovation, and long-term workforce development. 

U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar commented, “The Minnesota Aerospace Complex is a testament to the incredible things that can happen when our local, state, and federal government works together with leaders in labor, higher education, and business. I worked with our entire delegation to secure major federal funding for this project, a critical investment in our workforce and tech industry and Rosemount. Supporting Minnesota's growing aerospace industry is about strengthening our defense and keeping our state competitive in a global economy—all while creating good paying jobs.” 

U.S. Representative Betty McCollum commented, “The Minnesota Aerospace Complex is an investment in our national security and in the extraordinary strengths of our state. Minnesota has the talent, institutions, and industry partnerships to help meet America’s most pressing aerospace and defense needs, and this project puts those capabilities to work. I am proud to support the MAC and the jobs, research, and long-term economic benefits it will bring to Minnesota.”

U.S. Representative Brad Finstad, who was unable to attend today’s event but has been a longtime supporter of the MAC, commented, “The Minnesota Aerospace Complex is a tremendous opportunity for our state and a project that will help keep America strong. It means high-skilled jobs and new investment here in Minnesota, while giving our nation the tools it needs to stay competitive and secure in a rapidly changing world. I’m proud to support this effort and look forward to seeing the benefits it delivers for Minnesota and for America’s future.” 

The MAC advances the U.S. Department of War Test Resource Management Center’s objective to expand and modernize the nation’s hypersonic testing throughput and capability. The facility will allow engineers to test airflow, propulsion systems, and flight dynamics at high speed and in controlled conditions, shortening development time and reducing bottlenecks in aerospace programs. 

Geoff Wilson, TRMC Hypersonic Test Lead stated, “The Minnesota Aerospace Complex will provide innovative testing capabilities that strengthen our ability to evaluate and refine next-generation systems. By expanding access to state-of-the-art ground testing and highspeed research tools, this facility will support national security and ensure the United States remains competitive in aerospace technology.”

Public–Private Partnership Leads the Way 

State leaders highlighted Minnesota’s role in securing federal investment and aligning public funding with workforce and economic development opportunities.

DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek commented, “The Minnesota Aerospace Complex will be a significant asset to our state’s economy. It’s the result of a critical public-private partnership and brings new high-skilled jobs to Minnesota – positioning our state to compete in industries that will drive growth for decades. This project strengthens our economic future and keeps talent and investment here in Minnesota.” 

GREATER MSP President and CEO Peter Frosch commented, “The North Wind investment will be the foundation of a new high-tech industry in Minnesota. This project is a step toward realizing our vision for our next economy, which creates inclusive opportunity for Minnesotans by solving the hardest, most important challenges for the nation and the world. This investment helps renew Minnesota’s national leadership in cutting-edge technology and positions our region as a place where the future will be made.”

North Wind is partnering closely with academic, government, and private-sector partners to ensure the MAC strengthens Minnesota’s existing research landscape and keeps engineering talent in the state.

Economic and Community Benefits for Rosemount 

Local officials and community partners emphasized the project’s direct impact on Rosemount and Dakota County. The MAC will remediate and redevelop long-idle land, expand the region’s tax base, and generate high-skilled and construction jobs. 

Dakota County Commissioner Bill Droste commented, “This project represents real progress for Rosemount and Dakota County. By remediating long-idle land and putting it back into productive use, the Minnesota Aerospace Complex will generate jobs, grow our local economy, and show what responsible redevelopment can achieve. We look forward to the lasting benefits this investment will bring to our residents and businesses.” 

The MAC expects to support hundreds of construction jobs during build-out and create ongoing engineering, technical, and operations roles as the facility comes online. The project will also attract additional companies, suppliers, and research organizations to the region, supporting long-term economic growth.

About North Wind 

North Wind is a leading independent supplier of development and test systems and services for hypersonics and other complex aerospace projects. North Wind currently operates wind tunnel facilities in Plymouth, Minn., and Langley, Va. Learn more at www.north-wind.com. 

Contact: Info@north-wind.com