HUNTSVILLE, AL (WAFF) -
The Missile Defense Agency awarded Raytheon a $925-million contract for development of the Standard Missile 3, which is a joint effort between the United States and Japan. They're going to build the missiles in North Alabama.
"It really made sense to come here and expand here," said Raytheon Plant Manager Angel Crespo.
Redstone Arsenal checked off every box on Raytheon's search list when they scouted a site for their latest standard missile factory. They're confident in Huntsville's workforce, the community commitment to working with the Department of Defense, and the partnership with Arsenal leaders.
Raytheon's Redstone facility will build Standard Missile 6 and Standard Missile 3. Both weapons will be used to protect the U.S. in case of a ballistic missile attack.
"SM-6 just provides more capability over the horizon capability for the warfighter. Especially the navy. That's our main customer for SM-6," explained Crespo.
SM-3 is used to intercept for short to medium range attacks and the production has to be accurate all the way through.
"Absolutely no doubt, zero defects. Because our products, in the warfighter's hand only have chance to work," said Crespo.
Construction on the factory is scheduled to be completed by mid-August. And of course a new building means new jobs.
Officials said Raytheon plans to add about 300 jobs to the North Alabama workforce by late 2014, creating another opportunity for the Huntsville community to serve the warfighter.
"This factory is probably going to be the premiere factory, automated missile factory in the world," said Crespo.
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