Huntsville Aerospace Company Expands Missile Component Production in Response to Global Demands
Turbocharged Production Following International Conflicts
An aerospace and defense firm based in Huntsville is poised to boost its output of missile components, fueled by rising worldwide demand stemming from ongoing hostilities in Ukraine and the Middle East. Aerojet Rocketdyne, a segment of L3Harris Technologies, is known for crafting essential parts for the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS). This rocket system’s effectiveness in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia has notably influenced global interest and orders.
Significant Operational Growth Announced
In 2022, Aerojet declared plans to broaden its operational footprint within Huntsville by leasing a substantial 379,000 square feet of space near the local airport. A representative from L3Harris indicated that this expansive facility would cater specifically to the production of inert components related to both MK 72 and MK 104 solid rocket motors designed for powering Standard Missiles. Additionally, it will manage components linked with programs such as Javelin missiles and GMLRS systems transitioning from Camden, Arkansas to Huntsville.
“The large-scale facility provides ample capacity not only for current production demands but also strategically positions us for upcoming opportunities,” the spokesperson shared with AL.com. In an impressive show of growth since 2016, the workforce at Aerojet’s Huntsville operations has increased sevenfold, reaching nearly 800 employees. Concurrently, L3Harris’ financial support toward Aerojet has surged by over 40% annually.
Favorable Business Environment in Rocket City
Scott Alexander, President of Aerojet’s Missile Solutions division, emphasizes why Huntsville stands out as an appealing location: “The city provides a robust talent pool along with advantageous proximity to various governmental bodies and industry allies.” He further noted that consistent investments from L3Harris enable them to effectively seize new prospects within this thriving aerospace hub dubbed “Rocket City.”
Comprehensive Facilities Across Huntsville
Aerojet operates three critical sites within Huntsville: the headquarters for its Missile Solutions sector located in Cummings Research Park along with two advanced manufacturing centers situated one each at North Huntsville Industrial Park and Jetplex Industrial Park near Huntsville Airport. The representative elaborated on their operational focus: “Our manufacturing plants are dedicated primarily to producing inert solid rocket motor components required for key defense programs such as THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) systems.”
Expanding Manufacturing Beyond Local Boundaries
Beyond their endeavors in Huntsville alone, L3Harris is significantly enhancing production capabilities across various locations nationwide. The spokesperson stated: “With both private initiatives as well as government funding being funneled into our efforts,” they are establishing additional facilities across multiple sites and ramping up capacity—evidenced by plans for a dedicated ~60,000 square foot manufacturing unit aimed specifically at GMLRS production at their Camden site.”
By adapting strategic operations amid global unrest while expanding their workforce infrastructure significantly since recent years’ escalation—Aerojet Rocketdyne illustrates how innovation coupled with location advantages can help meet escalating defense needs on a broader scale.
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