01 Sep 2009 | Ref. 145/2009
STERLING HEIGHTS, Michigan – BAE Systems today is breaking ground at its newest facility in Sterling Heights, Michigan which is expected to house an estimated 600 employees employed in high paying engineering and technology jobs.
“We welcome BAE Systems, one of the top defense companies in the country, and their newest facility to Michigan,” said Governor Jennifer M. Granholm. “This groundbreaking is another positive sign of our continuing efforts to diversify the state’s economy and create good-paying jobs for Michigan workers.”
The new environmentally-friendly, 200,000 square-foot building will sit on 81 acres. The Sterling Heights campus will focus on prototyping and engineering work. The facility will also include an auditorium, virtual reality dome and test track.
“This groundbreaking is an important move not only for BAE Systems, but for the state of Michigan,” said Linda Hudson, BAE Systems Land & Armaments president. “Our new facility will bring in more high paying engineering jobs for the community. Our presence in Sterling Heights also demonstrates our commitment to remaining a leading supplier to the U.S. military and allows us to closely interface with our customer.”
The Sterling Heights facility will house employees from both BAE Systems U.S. Combat Systems (USCS) and Global Tactical Systems (GTS) lines of business. The U.S. Combat Systems business produces and upgrades combat vehicle systems in major vehicle families – armored Bradley Fighting Vehicles, heavy equipment recovery vehicles, amphibious assault vehicles, armored personnel carriers, self-propelled artillery and mine resistant ambush protected vehicles (MRAP). USCS also specializes in a wide range of naval gun systems and munitions for ship protection and fire support. Global Tactical Systems produces the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles and Caiman series of MRAP vehicles.
BAE Systems began the expansion project in February 2009. The prototype facility will be completed in June 2010. Final construction is expected to be complete in fall 2011 with full staff occupancy expected later that year.
About BAE Systems
BAE Systems is the premier global defense, security and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. With approximately 105,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £18.5 billion (US $34.4 billion) in 2008.
For further information, please contact:
Kelly Golden, BAE Systems
Tel: +1 717 225 8487 Mobile: +1 717 818 7400
kelly.golden@baesystems.com
Shannon Smith, BAE Systems
Tel: +1 703 907 8257 Mobile: +1 703 967 3854
shannon.n.smith@baesystems.com
