BAE Systems, Inc., an international leader in the defense industry, will add machinery and equipment, as well as renovate its existing office space to expand its operations center at 15 Windham Boulevard in Aiken, South Carolina. The company is projected to bring $8.4 million of new investment and create more than 120 jobs.

In addition to the approximately 100 employees currently working at BAE Systems Inc.’s Aiken facility, the company also employs 500 associates across its Charleston and Columbia operations. Work performed at these locations includes a variety of electronic and tactical vehicle integration projects, as well as information technology security services for the U.S. military and other government agencies.

As an incentive, the Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved job development credits related to this project. A $200,000 Set Aside grant was also awarded to Aiken County to assist with the costs of building upfit.

“We are grateful for the support from the S.C. Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership. Given the global security concerns and challenging business environment, it’s important for BAE Systems to continue investing in the best possible products and services for the warfighter. The Aiken facility is an integral element in our business portfolio that is allowing us to build upon that strategy for the future growth of the company’s combat vehicles business,” BAE Systems, Inc. Aiken Site and Operations Manager Michael Eaton said.

“South Carolina has a long tradition of supporting the military, and this expansion by BAE Systems, Inc. is the latest example of that. As a company that provides our soldiers and Marines with the products needed to be successful, we couldn’t be more proud that BAE Systems, Inc. continues to invest in our state and its people,” Governor Henry McMaster said.