Industry-leading defense contractor Raytheon is expanding its radar manufacturing capabilities in Forest, Miss. 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.”

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.

“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,” said Wes Kramer, president of Raytheon’s Integrated Defense Systems business. “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.

Gov. Phil Bryant Press Release

5/31/2018