Federal, state and local officials, along with Raytheon Company executives and local business leaders, dedicated new facilities at Raytheon Missile Systems.
This is part of a large-scale expansion and modernization project to increase capacity and capability at Raytheon’s Tucson operations.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place in front of newly-built structures that will house many of the 2,000 new employees the company is hiring to support business growth.
New buildings scheduled for completion this year include an advanced testing facility, a multi-purpose building and a customer access center.
The project will modernize as well as grow Raytheon’s missile-making operations.
“Our expansion supports the nation’s military, the security of America’s allies and the U.S., state and local economies,” said Dr. Taylor W. Lawrence, president of Raytheon’s Missile Systems business.
The 559,000-square-foot expansion will include an advanced testing facility, a multi-purpose building, a customer access center and several additional buildings, as well as infrastructure upgrades such as new laboratories and testing facilities, engineering and manufacturing enhancements, and high-powered computing capability.
It is planned for completion in 2020.
Raytheon Missile Systems designs, engineers, tests and manufactures some of the most advanced aerospace and defense technologies of today and the future, including missile defense systems, hypersonic missiles and space vehicles.
The company used its advanced immersive design center to design and create models of the new buildings before any concrete was poured.
The 3-D modeling provided a more accurate blueprint for construction than conventional techniques.
Raytheon Missile Systems is Southern Arizona’s largest private employer, with an annual statewide economic impact of more than $2.1 billion.
“With more than 500 suppliers around Arizona and a workforce of nearly 12,000 people, Raytheon continues to have a positive economic impact throughout our state,” said Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey.
“Increasing Raytheon’s infrastructure and job growth in Arizona is a major win for all of us, and the result of solid partnerships statewide.”
Raytheon Missile Systems is designing, engineering, testing and manufacturing some of the most advanced aerospace and defense technologies of today and the future, including missile defense systems, hypersonic missiles and space vehicles.
Arizona’s supportive environment for business investment and growth is an enabler of Raytheon’s success.
Raytheon is the world’s largest missile maker. Its portfolio is relied on to defend the U.S. military and dozens of allies around the world.
(Learn More. Raytheon’s Patriot™ provides trusted air and missile defense. A soldier remembers the night it saved his life. Courtesy of Raytheon and YouTube. Posted on May 4, 2018)
“Given the high stakes, it’s imperative that we strategically and intelligently prepare for the threats ahead,” added Dr. Lawrence.
“These new facilities fulfill that strategy by supporting evolving capacity requirements.”
“This project validates Southern Arizona’s strengths in innovation, technology and quality of life for our growing workforce, and has been made possible by the strong collaboration and support of government and private sector partners.”
Raytheon’s recent expansion is expected to result in billions of dollars of economic impact throughout Arizona over 10 years.
Partners in the expansion include Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey, Arizona Commerce Authority, Pima County, City of Tucson, Sun Corridor Inc., Tucson Airport Authority and Tucson Electric Power.
“Pima County works with our regional partners to create an environment supportive of innovation and opportunity for Raytheon,” said Pima County Supervisor Sharon Bronson.
“Raytheon has been a terrific partner in boosting the economy of Pima County and we appreciate its commitment to our community. These are the high-paying, high-tech jobs every community strives to have.”
“Pima County worked diligently with all of our governmental partners to understand Raytheon’s issues and achieve solutions,” added Pima County Supervisor Ramón Valadez.
