BAE SYSTEMS: Ivey announces $45.5M expansion

Published 7:30 pm Monday, July 16, 2018

LONDON – Gov. Kay Ivey welcomed plans by global defense contractor BAE Systems to launch a $45.5 million expansion that will create “hundreds” of new jobs and add new capabilities at its operations in Huntsville.

Monday’s announcement coincided with the start of the Farnborough International Airshow near London

“BAE Systems’ decision to carry out this significant expansion project in Huntsville is a powerful testament to the expertise that makes Alabama’s ‘Rocket City’ an aerospace hub,” said Ivey, who is attending the air show with a state business development team. “It’s great to see a world-class company like BAE Systems expand its presence — and create good jobs — in Alabama, where aerospace is continuing to take off.”

BAE Systems said the multiphase growth plan includes the immediate expansion of its offices at Discovery Drive in Huntsville and the development of a state-of-the-art manufacturing and office space facility in the Cummings Research Park. Construction of the new building will begin this year and is expected to be complete in 2019.

The company is a global defense, aerospace and security company with more than 83,000 employees worldwide and operations in 30 U.S. states.

Work at the facility 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.

“Our expansion in Huntsville provides us a great opportunity to establish a closer working relationship with our critical customers in the U.S. Army and the Redstone Arsenal community,” said Paul Markwardt, vice president and general manager of Survivability, Targeting, and Sensing Solutions at BAE Systems. “Huntsville is a good location to attract the key talent needed to develop and deliver important new capabilities to our customers.”

BAE Systems is working with Huntsville developer Samples Properties, Fuqua & Partners Architects, and Pearce Construction to build its new 83,000-square-foot facility, which 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.

“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,” Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle said. “BAE Systems … 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.”