BAE Systems announces $100M investment in Iowa facility

Arlington contractor building navigation and sensor systems R&D center in Cedar Rapids

Published November 6, 2020 by Sydney Lake

Rendering of new Iowa facility. Courtesy BAE Systems

Arlington-based defense contractor BAE Systems Inc. announced Thursday it is investing more than $100 million to construct a facility in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, for its newly acquired navigation and sensor systems business, which makes mission-critical military GPS products.

“Our world-class military GPS business is built on the rich talent pool in Greater Cedar Rapids,” John Watkins, BAE Systems vice president and general manager of precision strike and sensing solutions, said in a statement. “This investment will provide our high-tech engineering and manufacturing experts with a world-class workspace and the tools to enhance operational excellence.”

Located on a 32-acre site, the 278,000-square-foot facility will be used as a research and development center and will include a large factory, several hundred offices, work stations, flexible work spaces and labs.

National architectural firm OPN Architects Inc. designed the facility, which will be developed and built by Ryan Cos. US Inc.

Construction began in October and is expected to be completed in 2022.

BAE Systems Inc. employs approximately 35,100 people across the U.S., U.K., Sweden and Israel. The company generated $11.4 billion in sales last year. BAE Systems Inc. is an independent U.S. subsidiary of England-based BAE Systems plc, one of Europe’s top defense contractors.