A former helicopter repair facility in Corpus Christi soon will churn out jewelry. James Avery Craftsman Inc. recently purchased the building at 401 Junior Beck Drive, formerly a military helicopter engine repair and testing facility. The 41,200-square-foot site will be converted into a state-of-the-art jewelry manufacturing facility. 
A Texas-based company started in 1954, James Avery plans to begin its first phase of manufacturing as early as June 2022. The company will add more than 200 new jobs to the market, according to a news release by Cravey Real Estate Services Inc., the seller's representative. 
James Avery currently has more than 100 stores in four states. Its jewelry is also available at JamesAvery.com and in over 200 Dillard’s locations.