HUNTSVILLE, Ala., May 23, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- To accommodate its growing presence in the Huntsville area, Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) will construct a new five-building complex in Cummings Research Park.
The company has selected developer Colonial Properties Trust (NYSE:CLP) for the $80 million project to be located off Interstate 565. Colonial Properties is a real estate investment trust headquartered in Birmingham, Ala. Northrop Grumman plans to break ground on the first 110,000-square-foot building June 27.
Northrop Grumman employs about 1,200 people in the Huntsville area, in more than 20 facilities. Most current operations will be consolidated in the new headquarters facility, which will house offices, laboratories, and research and development centers.
"I am extremely pleased that Northrop Grumman has chosen to locate this campus in Huntsville's Research Park; this decision demonstrates a great deal of confidence in our city and its bright future," said Huntsville Mayor Loretta Spencer. "Northrop Grumman continues to be a leader in technology and its presence in Huntsville enhances the city's reputation as one of the best places in the country for businesses to succeed."
"Northrop Grumman's considerable growth the past few years has made us one of Huntsville's largest employers," said Daniel L. Montgomery, Northrop Grumman vice president and corporate lead executive for the Huntsville region. "We project even more growth in the years ahead, with Huntsville supporting or managing several major programs and new contract wins."
Among those programs is Kinetic Energy Interceptors (KEI), a mobile, land-based missile-defense system that, when deployed, will be able to destroy a hostile threat during its boost and ascent phase of flight. The team managing the KEI battle-management portion of the program is in Huntsville. Huntsville-based employees also support other missile-defense programs, including providing the fire control and communications subsystem for the Ground-Based Midcourse Defense System.
Other Huntsville activities include developing and fielding advanced tactical command posts under the Command Post Platform program; serving as the prime contractor for Forward Area Air Defense, a command and control capability that helps protect ground forces against enemy aircraft while protecting friendly aircraft; and producing the Longbow missile and Viper Strike munition.
The company's major area customers include the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command; Army Aviation and Missile Command; the Army Program Executive Office for Aviation; the Army Program Executive Office for Missiles and Space; and elements of the Missile Defense Agency.
Northrop Grumman Corporation is a global defense company headquartered in Los Angeles, Calif. Northrop Grumman provides technologically advanced, innovative products, services and solutions in systems integration, defense electronics, information technology, advanced aircraft, shipbuilding and space technology. With more than 125,000 employees, and operations in all 50 states and 25 countries, Northrop Grumman serves U.S. and international military, government and commercial customers.