US Home for T-7A Aft Section Manufacturing
Saab opened its new manufacturing facility in West Lafayette, IN – a major step in the company’s expansion strategy and its growth and investment in the United States – on 13 October.
Saab announced West Lafayette as the location for its expansion in the US aerospace sector in May 2019, beginning construction the following year. It has been completed on-time and on-budget, and will start by being the site for domestic production of Saab’s aft airframe section for the T-7A RED HAWK trainer aircraft. It will also support R&D in autonomy, artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing.
“This opening marks a historic moment for Saab. This high-tech facility and its growing workforce are a result of Saab’s continued investment in the United States. Just as the T-7A RED HAWK will train the next generation of fighter and bomber pilots, we look forward to welcoming and training the next generation of aerospace engineers and other skilled employees,” commented President and Group CEO of Saab, Micael Johansson. “As a trusted local partner, Saab is committed to investing in both our West Lafayette community and the research and development for a more sustainable world to keep people and society safe.”
By 2027, Saab expects to hire up to 300 employees for this facility, including assemblers, engineers, system administrators, and more. The West Lafayette facility will also work collaboratively with Purdue University on R&D in sensor systems, artificial intelligence and more. Saab plans to export products and technology from the facility, which is the seventh US location for the Group.