Italy-based Leonardo Electronics US Inc., a provider of next-gen technologies, plans to expand operations at Innovation Park in Oro Valley, Arizona. The $100 million project is expected to create 170 jobs over five years.

The company has outgrown its current location and will construct a new state-of-the-art semiconductor laser manufacturing facility, which will comprise approximately 120,000 square feet of production space and administrative offices. Construction is anticipated to begin at the end of the first quarter 2022.

“This new larger facility will support our business growth across all key market segments,” said Matthew Keegan, president & CEO, Leonardo Electronics US Inc. “We ultimately selected Innovation Park in Oro Valley due to its proximity to our existing employee base and exceptional talent in the region, which is one of the leading photonics technology hubs in the country.”

Leonardo Electronics US's laser operations is currently located at 7775 N. Casa Grande Highway in Tucson and employs around 200 people. The company has been present in the Tucson region since 2009, through Lasertel.

“Leonardo has been an outstanding industry partner for over 20 years and we’re excited they are expanding their Tucson manufacturing operations,” said Sandra Watson, president and CEO, Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA). “We are grateful Leonardo continues to invest in Arizona, creating high-quality jobs for residents and contributing to Southern Arizona’s robust aerospace and defense sector.”

In addition to Sun Corridor Inc., partners in the project include the Arizona Commerce Authority, Pima County, the Town of Oro Valley, VentureWest, Trammel Crow, SmithGroup and Sundt Construction.

“In addition to business attraction, economic development is about helping local companies like Leonardo expand,” said Joe Snell, president & CEO of Sun Corridor Inc. “Success stories such as this have a tremendous ripple effect across the entire economy. Leonardo’s success is the entire region’s success.”

Leonardo Electronics designs, develops and produces a wide range of products and solutions that enhance the security and situational awareness of any operational environment. The company is a global leader in Aerospace, Defense and Security, and is a trusted partner of choice for governments, institutions and business customers.