Industry-leading defense contractor Raytheon Company broke ground on its new radar production facility in Forest, Mississippi. The project, announced in May, is a $100-million corporate investment, which will create dozens of jobs at Raytheon’s Forest campus over the next five years.

“Our new facility will serve as a hub for test, integration and production of s-band radars, including the U.S. Navy’s next-generation SPY-6 Air and Missile Defense Radar program,” says Wes Kremer, President, Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems.

The Mississippi Development Authority is providing assistance for site preparation and infrastructure improvements. Mississippi Works funds are also being made available to assist with workforce training.

In addition, Scott County is providing assistance in the form of a fee-in-lieu of taxes agreement. Construction of the new facility is slated to be complete in the first quarter of 2020.

“Raytheon already produces some of the most sophisticated radar systems in the world for our nation’s military from right here in Mississippi,” Governor Phil Bryant said. “This new production facility will bolster their strong presence in the state, and we are proud to have them as a Mississippi business partner.”

“MDA congratulates Raytheon and its employees on this milestone. In the next couple of years, Mississippians in Forest will manufacture additional high-tech, innovative radar systems in support of the U.S. military, bolstering Mississippi’s position as a leader in the defense industry,” said MDA Executive Director Glenn McCullough, Jr.