Innovative Aerospace and Defense Hub: Cedar Rapids’ Next Leap Forward
BAE Systems is dedicating over $100 million to establish a cutting-edge facility in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. This center will support the organization’s recently acquired Navigation & Sensor Systems division, renowned for producing mission-critical military GPS devices. The new structure will consolidate the company’s local design and manufacturing teams from various sites into a singular center of excellence featuring contemporary production, engineering, and office environments.
“Our top-tier military GPS division thrives on the exceptional talent pool in Greater Cedar Rapids,” expressed John Watkins, vice president and general manager of Precision Strike & Sensing Solutions at BAE Systems. “This investment will furnish our advanced engineering and production specialists with a premier workspace and the necessary tools to elevate operational excellence.”
The facility is set to enhance operational efficacy, streamline production, and strengthen the organization’s capability to provide superior military GPS solutions to the warfighter.
“We’re enthusiastic that BAE Systems has opted to establish its new facility in Cedar Rapids and are eager to collaborate with them on this venture,” stated Mayor Brad Hart. “By committing to construct their new campus here, BAE Systems is positioning Cedar Rapids as a cutting-edge aerospace and defense center, generating high-quality employment and business prospects, while initiating one of the most substantial capital investment initiatives in the history of our city.”
Central to the project is a 278,000-square-foot, custom-built manufacturing and research and development center situated on a 32-acre plot at 7825 6th Street SW in Cedar Rapids. The edifice will feature a large manufacturing area, numerous offices, workstations, and adaptable workspaces, alongside both classified and unclassified laboratories. The design allows for future expansion, with the capacity to incorporate 50,000 square feet of additional space down the line.
“BAE Systems is an exceptional organization, and we are delighted they selected Iowa and Cedar Rapids for this remarkable new facility,” remarked Debi Durham, director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority. “This initiative exemplifies our economic development framework in Iowa, which centers on fostering innovation and attracting high-quality employment that will uplift the standard of living and generate wealth for our state.”
The facility’s design was crafted by the nationally recognized architectural firm OPN Architects, Inc., and will be developed and constructed by Ryan Companies US, Inc., which commenced construction activities in October 2020 and anticipates project completion in 2022.
