News Mississippi
Raytheon makes $100 million Mississippi investment
By Steven Gagliano
A $100 million investment is coming to Mississippi after an announcement from Raytheon.
Raytheon, an industry-leading defense contractor, is expanding its radar manufacturing capabilities in Forest. The project is a $100 million corporate investment and will create dozens of direct jobs at the company’s Forest campus over the next five years.
“Raytheon recognizes the value of continued investment in the state of Mississippi,” Gov. Phil Bryant said. “Together, along with Raytheon’s outstanding employees, we will continue supporting the U.S. military and strengthening our national defense through the innovative, high-tech radar systems developed in East Mississippi.”
A news release states that Raytheon will construct a new facility to serve as a hub for test, integration and production of s-band radars, which includes the U.S. Navy’s next-generation SPY-6, Air and Missile Defense Radar program. The new 50,000-square-foot facility will allow for future personnel growth and also will create dozens of indirect jobs from the local community in support of design, supply and construction.
Wes Kremer, President of Raytheon’s Integrated Defense Systems business, says that the products produced at this new facility will be some of the most advanced on the market.
“Construction of a new radar production facility is the next step in our decades-long partnership with the state of Mississippi and its highly skilled workforce,” Kremer said. “Together we will integrate, test and deliver the most technologically advanced military radar systems to our U.S. and international customers.”
The Mississippi Development Authority is providing assistance for site preparation and infrastructure improvements. Mississippi Works funds are also being made available to assist with workforce training. Scott County is providing assistance in the form of a fee-in-lieu of taxes agreement.
“Raytheon and the people of Mississippi have enjoyed a productive, profitable, mutually beneficial partnership for many years. This exciting new investment which expands Raytheon’s presence in our state is evidence that Mississippi is the place where innovative global leaders can achieve their goals, said MDA Executive director Glenn McCullough, Jr. “MDA salutes the teamwork of Governor Bryant, the Mississippi Legislature, Scott County and the Mid-Mississippi Dev District, which is instrumental in Raytheon’s growth making Mississippi a leading state for the defense industry.”
The facility will become the newest addition to Raytheon’s existing Consolidated Manufacturing Center campus in Forest, which will continue uninterrupted deliver on critical commitments across the airborne radar and electronic warfare markets. Construction of the new facility will begin in August, with its completion expected by the first quarter of 2020.
The announcement was met with widespread praise from Mississippi’s Senators and Congressmen.
“This development is great news for Mississippi and Scott County,” Senator Roger Wicker said. “With this investment, Raytheon will be continuing its contributions to the economic success of the region and to our nation’s defense. I am proud of Mississippi’s defense manufacturers and the excellent work they do to provide our nation’s military service members the tools they need to keep us safe.”
“Raytheon’s expansion in Scott County is a true compliment to the ability of our state and our workers to provide for our national defense,” Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith said. “The significant investment in Forest fits nicely with the greater goal of rebuilding American military capabilities and further strengthens the future of defense manufacturing in Mississippi.”
“I applaud Raytheon for investing in Mississippi and continuing to build our very capable workforce through the expansion of their Forest plant,” Congressman Harper said. “Their new facility will play a critical role in our national defense through the development and testing of cutting edge radar technology that will be utilized by our nation’s Armed Forces. This move is evidence of all that Mississippi has to offer.”
Governor Bryant and Kremer made the announcement at the Capitol earlier today.