BAE Systems building military GPS production facility

BAE Systems is slated to build a facility in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, utilizing an investment of more than $100 million to support its military GPS products line.

The effort is in conjunction with the company’s newly acquired Navigation & Sensor Systems business. The effort would unite local design and production employees from multiple locations into a single operation site with modern manufacturing, engineering, and office space.

“Our world-class military GPS business is built on the rich talent pool in greater Cedar Rapids,” John Watkins, vice president and general manager of Precision Strike & Sensing Solutions at BAE Systems, said. “This investment will provide our high-tech engineering and manufacturing experts with a world-class workspace and the tools to enhance operational excellence.”

The project’s work scope includes a 278,000-square-foot factory and research and development center located on a 32-acre site at 7825 6th Street SW in Cedar Rapids – possessing several hundred offices, workstations, and flexible workspaces; and classified and unclassified labs. The building design allows for adding 50,000 square feet of additional space in the future.

“We’re excited that BAE Systems has chosen to locate its new facility in Cedar Rapids and look forward to working with them on the project,” Mayor Brad Hart said. “By committing to build their new campus here, BAE Systems is advancing Cedar Rapids as a high-tech aerospace and defense hub, providing high-quality jobs and business opportunities, and initiating one of the largest capital investment projects in city history.”