AURORA, Colo., June 3, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC), one of Aurora's largest defense contractors, expanded its presence here today with the ribbon cutting on an 80,000-sq.-foot addition to its office park on East Exposition Drive. The three-story facility will not only accommodate the 30 percent increase in employment with Northrop Grumman (over the past two years), but will position the company for strong future growth.
Northrop Grumman's Aurora operation, part of the company's Mission Systems sector, develops highly sophisticated hardware and software systems for various U.S. government customers in support of homeland security, national defense and intelligence. Engineers and scientists at Northrop Grumman develop state-of-the-art algorithms and highly advanced data-management techniques to collect and analyze data for military and intelligence organizations.
Highlighting today's ceremony were remarks by Jane E. Norton, lieutenant governor of Colorado; Ed Tauer, mayor of Aurora; Don Winter, president, Northrop Grumman Mission Systems; Charles (Pepper) Fey, vice president, Northrop Grumman Mission System's Data Systems Operations in Aurora; and other Northrop Grumman officials.
"Northrop Grumman's intelligence and defense business in Aurora has grown significantly in recent years, and is expected to grow even more-by approximately 150 jobs by 2006," said Fey. "Our expanded facility, which features a sophisticated computer environment, will enhance the already cutting-edge research and development work underway and position us to capture new business in this market. As an active member of our community, we are proud to continue building our presence as one of the areas largest private employers."
"The expansion of the Northrop Grumman facility serves as a powerful example of Colorado's growing reputation as a leader in technology and a business friendly state," said Norton. "We are pleased that, as a respected corporate citizen, Northrop Grumman continues to be a strong member of our community, providing employment and growth opportunities on projects of national importance. We look forward to their continued success and commitment to this area."
General contractor Fransen-Pittman broke ground on the building in July 2004 and completed the facility 30 days ahead of schedule. The building addition includes 20,000 square feet of raised computer floor space to house high-end computer hardware with the remaining space to be used for offices and conference rooms. In all, the Northrop Grumman campus, comprised of three buildings totaling 334,000 square feet, currently houses approximately 750 employees and 350 subcontract personnel.
Northrop Grumman employs more than 1,000 people in Aurora and approximately 2,500 people throughout Colorado.
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems, based in Reston, Va., is a global integrator of complex, mission-enabling systems and services for defense, intelligence and civil government markets. The sector's technology leadership and expertise spans areas such as strategic systems, including ICBMs; missile defense; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; command and control; and technical services and training.