Raytheon dedicates new Arizona facilities

Raytheon executives, along with federal, state and local business leaders, recently dedicated the first of several new buildings in a major expansion of its facilities in Tucson, Arizona, where the company builds missile systems.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place in front of new structures that will house many of the 2,000 new employees the company is hiring to support business growth.

The project will modernize as well as grow Raytheon's missile-making operations.

“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 559,000ft² expansion will include an advanced testing facility, a multi-purpose building, a customer access center, and several additional buildings, as well as infrastructure upgrades such as new laboratories and testing facilities, engineering and manufacturing enhancements, and high-powered computing capability. It is planned for completion in 2020.

Raytheon Missile Systems designs, engineers, tests, and manufactures advanced aerospace and defense technologies, including missile defense systems, hypersonic missiles, and space vehicles.

The company used its advanced immersive design center to design and create models of the new buildings before any concrete was poured. The 3D modeling provided a more accurate blueprint for construction than conventional techniques.

Raytheon Missile Systems is Southern Arizona’s largest private employer, with an annual statewide economic impact of more than $2.1 billion.

"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," said Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey. "Increasing Raytheon's infrastructure and job growth in Arizona is a major win for all of us, and the result of solid partnerships statewide."

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey and Dr. Taylor W. Lawrence, president of Raytheon's Missile Systems business, cut the ribbon at the new facility unveiling.