Raytheon, the world’s largest missile producer, is expanding in Tucson
May 12, 2018, 2:00 PM | Updated: 3:21 pm
PHOENIX — The world’s largest missile maker, Raytheon Missile Systems, cut the ribbon on new facilities in Tucson, Ariz. that are expected to house some 2,000 new employees.
It was part of a 559,000-square-foot expansion that will include a testing facility, multi-purpose building, enhanced laboratories and engineering and manufacturing enhancements.
Raytheon was Southern Arizona’s largest private employer, according to a company release. Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey attended the ribbon cutting ceremony.
“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,” Ducey said. “Increasing Raytheon’s infrastructure and job growth in Arizona is a major win for all of us, and the result of solid partnerships statewide.”
The company produces advanced aerospace and defense technologies such as missile defense systems, hypersonic missiles and space vehicles.
It was able to use its advanced design technology to create models of the new buildings, which provided more accurate blueprints than conventional construction methods. The full expansion is expected to be complete in 2020.
“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 entire project was designed to both modernize and grow the business, which already pumps an estimated $2.1 billion into the state economy.
