Raytheon Announces $115 Million Expansion Project in Huntsville, Providing 185 Additional Jobs

Raytheon Commences Huntsville Expansion

In an exciting development for Huntsville’s burgeoning aerospace sector, defense juggernaut Raytheon has launched a $115 million expansion of its Redstone Raytheon Missile Integration Facility. The project not only signifies a substantial increase in the factory’s space, but it also portends an influx of jobs, with 185 new positions being projected.

A Boon for the Local Workforce

The expansion, which entails a 26,000-square-foot project, will increase the factory’s space by over 50%. This development spells positive change for Huntsville’s job market, as the project will create an estimated 185 new jobs. Construction is set to conclude by next year, promising a significant economic boost for the local community.

Expanding Raytheon’s Missile Integration Operations

Raytheon’s Redstone facility takes on integration work for many missile programs catering to important clients like the U.S. Missile Defense Agency and U.S. Navy. This includes integration of nine varieties of the Standard Missile family, such as Standard Missile-3 and Standard Missile-6. With this expansion, the facility also plans to take on more defense programs including the Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI), focused on countering hypersonic glide vehicles.

Statements from Key Figures

The commencement of these changes hasn’t gone unnoticed by key stakeholders and officials. Raytheon President Phil Jasper stated that this investment in the Huntsville region will aid in meeting the increasing demands of their military customers and servicemen and women. He mentioned that this expansion will prime their operations to expedite delivery of vital counter-hypersonic solutions.

Governor Kay Ivey, present at the groundbreaking, expressed immense pride in the company’s Huntsville development. She affirmed that Alabama has consistently innovated across various sectors, particularly defense, and mirrored Jasper’s assertion that this new investment will strengthen national security.

Impact on Alabama’s Aerospace Sector

Currently, Raytheon and its parent company RTX employ over 2,200 individuals in Alabama. The expansion of the Redstone Facility is certain to make a profound impact on the local economy, both in terms of employment opportunities and revenue generation. As more jobs become available, more qualified individuals will be attracted to the region further bolstering Huntsville’s economy.

Imports Reiterate the Significance of the Project

The Secretary of Alabama’s Department of Commerce, Ellen McNair, lauded Raytheon’s expansion. She emphasized that the missile integration center and its innovative products constitute vital national assets. McNair concluded by expressing her pride in the fact that such crucial technologies are being developed in Alabama.