Consolidates GPS Business into Single Modern Centre of Excellence

BAE Systems is investing more than $100 million (€84 million) to build a state-of-the-art facility in Cedar Rapids, IA, the company announced on 5 November. The facility will support the company’s newly acquired Navigation & Sensor Systems business, which develops mission-critical military GPS solutions. The new building will bring local design and production employees from multiple locations into a single centre of excellence, with modern manufacturing, engineering, and office space.

“Our world-class military GPS business is built on the rich talent pool in Greater Cedar Rapids,” commented John Watkins, VP/General Manager of Precision Strike & Sensing Solutions. “This investment will provide our high-tech engineering and manufacturing experts with a world-class workspace and the tools to enhance operational excellence.” The facility will improve operational efficiency, optimize production, and enhance the company’s ability to deliver high-quality military GPS products to the front line.

At the heart of the project is a 278,000 sqft factory and R&D centre, located on a 32-acre site, which will include a large factory; several hundred offices, workstations, and flexible work spaces; and classified and unclassified labs. The building was designed for growth, with the ability to add an additional 50,000sqft at a later date.