The Arlington City Council unanimously approved a significant expansion for local aerospace manufacturer Circuit Systems Co. Inc. on October 14, 2023. The company plans to add approximately 23,000 square feet to its facility located on West Pioneer Parkway, enhancing its manufacturing capabilities. Originally a liquor store, the building has been transformed into a hub for aerospace production.
Founded in 1983 and incorporated the following year, Circuit Systems is a family-owned business led by Arlington entrepreneur Grady King. The company stands out as one of a limited number of U.S.-based first-tier contract manufacturers, specializing in aerospace bonding jumper cables, bus bars, and grounding straps. Its products are integral to both commercial and military aircraft, including the F-22 and F-35, developed by Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, as well as applications on the International Space Station.
The expansion received prior endorsement from the Planning and Zoning Commission, which voted unanimously on September 24. The property, located at 5301 West Pioneer Parkway, spans 7.168 acres and is zoned for light industrial use. Currently, the site features an 11,880 square-foot building.
Circuit Systems representatives indicated that the new space will maintain architectural consistency with the existing structure. According to Nikki Moore, a land development consultant with Arlington-based design firm MMA, the company operates cleanly and does not utilize harmful chemicals, which alleviates concerns regarding contamination or unpleasant odors.
During the council meeting, council member Andrew Piel praised the project, remarking, “This is the best adaptive reuse of a liquor store ever in the history of mankind.”
In 2015, Grady King acquired the site, previously known as Big Daddy’s liquor store, which had been vacant for some time. With business growth, he envisioned expanding the facility to better serve operational needs. The planning process for the site took into account its constraints and aimed to exclude certain uses typically permitted by zoning laws.
The expansion of Circuit Systems is expected to bolster the local economy and further establish Arlington as a center for aerospace manufacturing. As the firm continues to grow, it represents an important player in the aerospace industry, contributing to both local employment and the broader technological landscape.
This development reflects a trend in adaptive reuse projects, demonstrating how former retail spaces can be transformed into thriving industrial sites that support high-tech manufacturing. The city’s support underscores a commitment to fostering business growth and innovation within the aerospace sector.
