BAE Systems is investing more than $100 million to build a ‘state of the art’ facility in Cedar Rapids, Iowa to support the company’s newly acquired Navigation and Sensor Systems business, which makes mission-critical military GPS products. The new building will bring the company’s local design and production employees from multiple locations into a single centre of excellence with modern manufacturing, engineering and office space.
John Watkins, vice president and general manager of Precision Strike and Sensing Solutions at BAE Systems, said: “Our world-class military GPS business is built on the rich talent pool in Greater Cedar Rapids. This investment will provide our high-tech engineering and manufacturing experts with a world-class workspace and the tools to enhance operational excellence.”
The facility will improve operational efficiency, optimise production, and enhance the company’s ability to deliver high-quality military GPS products.
Mayor Brad Hart said: “We are excited that BAE Systems has chosen to locate its new facility in Cedar Rapids and look forward to working with them on the project. By committing to build their new campus here, BAE Systems is advancing Cedar Rapids as a high-tech aerospace and defence hub, providing high-quality jobs and business opportunities and initiating one of the largest capital investment projects in city history.”
At the heart of the project is a 278,000ft
2, build-to-suit factory and R&D centre that will be located on a 32-acre site in Cedar Rapids. The building will include a large factory; several hundred offices, workstations, and flexible work spaces; and classified and unclassified labs. Due to be completed in 2022, the facility has been designed for growth, with the option to add 50,000ft
2 of additional space in the future.