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

Raytheon Company executives, along with federal, state and local officials, and local business leaders, dedicated new facilities at Raytheon Missile Systems. This is part of a large-scale expansion and modernization project to increase capacity and capability at Raytheon's Tucson operations. A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place in front of newly-built structures that will house many of the 2,000 new employees the company is hiring to support business growth.

New buildings scheduled for completion this year include an advanced testing facility, a multi-purpose building and a customer access center.

The expansion is planned for completion in 2020 and includes new buildings; infrastructure upgrades; engineering and manufacturing enhancements; and high-powered computing capabilities.

Raytheon Missile Systems is designing, engineering, testing and manufacturing some of the most advanced aerospace and defense technologies, including missile defense systems, hypersonic missiles and space vehicles. Arizona's supportive environment for business investment and growth is an enabler of Raytheon's success.

“Our expansion supports the nation's military, the security of America's allies and the U.S., state and local economies,” said Taylor W. Lawrence, Raytheon Missile Systems president. “This project validates Southern Arizona's strengths in innovation, technology and quality of life for our growing workforce, and has been made possible by the strong collaboration and support of government and private sector partners.”

Raytheon's recent expansion is expected to result in billions of dollars of economic impact throughout Arizona over 10 years.

“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.”

“Pima County works with our regional partners to create an environment supportive of innovation and opportunity for Raytheon,” said Pima County Supervisor Sharon Bronson. “Raytheon has been a terrific partner in boosting the economy of Pima County and we appreciate its commitment to our community. These are the high-paying, high-tech jobs every community strives to have.”

“We literally moved county roads and invested in buffer space because we understand the economic value of Raytheon to Pima County. It's been a great partnership,” said Pima County Supervisor Ramón Valadez.

“We're very pleased to see this construction reach completion and to welcome the new employees who will be working in these new buildings,” said Tucson Mayor Jonathan Rothschild.

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

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