HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (July 16, 2018) – Today, BAE Systems announced a $45.5 million project to expand its operations in Huntsville. The company’s multi-phase growth plan includes the immediate expansion of its offices on Discovery Drive and the development of a state-of-the-art manufacturing and office space facility in Cummings Research Park. The expansion will bring hundreds of jobs and the new building is expected to be complete in 2019.
BAE Systems is the third-largest defense contractor in the world. The company is announcing the news today during the 2018 Farnborough International Air Show, which is taking place this week in the U.K. A local announcement was held at the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber.
“Huntsville has once again proven itself to be the location of choice for companies looking to do cutting edge R&D, engineering, and manufacturing all in one location,” said Mayor Tommy Battle. “After our recent string of wins in advanced manufacturing, we made the strategic decision to renew our focus on Cummings Research Park and the knowledge-based jobs that have given Huntsville its positive reputation for innovation. BAE Systems is a company we have worked with for a number of years. They will develop new technologies to keep our soldiers and allies safe for decades to come. Huntsville is proud to play a key role in BAE Systems’ mission.”
BAE Systems’ new 83,000-square-foot facility will be built at the corner of Old Madison Pike and Jan Davis Drive. It will include engineering development space, manufacturing space, and Department of Defense lab space. A 20-acre site for the building will provide expansion room for phased growth in the future.
“Today’s announcement by BAE Systems reinforces the fact that Huntsville-Madison County, Alabama is the place to be when it comes to innovative engineering, cyber security and advanced manufacturing by providing the latest technology for today’s U.S. warfighter,” said Madison County Commission Chairman Dale W. Strong. “These are truly exciting times for our region, as we work together to recruit many of the most talented and brightest minds of a new generation.”
BAE Systems says the Huntsville expansion will allow the company to establish a closer working relationship with its critical customers in the U.S. Army and the Redstone Arsenal community. Work will consist of new programs and existing business, including the design, development, and manufacturing of precision munitions and aircraft survivability technology. The increased capacity will enable the company to execute on its commitments to customers while positioning it to address surging demand for key products.
“Announcements like this are years in the making,” said Chip Cherry, President and CEO of the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber. “We met with BAE Systems’ senior leadership at the Farnborough International Air Show in 2016 to discuss the advantages of being in Huntsville/Madison County. We are at the Air Show again this year meeting with more companies about establishing and expanding their presence in Huntsville.”
“On behalf of our CRP Board of Directors, we are thrilled that BAE Systems chose to stay and significantly expand in Cummings Research Park,” said Erin Koshut, the Park’s Executive Director. “Their signature facility will be a great physical addition to the Park as well as the important work they do that adds to the Park’s thriving innovation economy. We look forward to supporting BAE Systems’ growth and talent recruitment to the second largest research park in the United States.”
The company is actively seeking skilled local candidates to fill critical engineering, manufacturing, program management, and business development roles. For more information, visit jobs.baesystems.com.
For more information, please contact:
Mark Daly
BAE Systems
[email protected]
Erin Koshut
Executive Director, Cummings Research Park
[email protected]
