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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Leonardo DRS Expands West Plains, Missouri, Manufacturing Operations

04/20/2022
Leonardo DRS, a leading provider of defense products and technologies, is expanding its manufacturing campus in West Plains, Missouri. The project is expected to create 100 jobs.

The expansion was enabled in part by a cooperative effort to construct a new overpass that addresses concerns affecting logistics and efficiency.

"The construction of the Independence Drive overpass was a key prerequisite for the continued growth of Leonardo DRS’ manufacturing campus in West Plains,” said Steve Foster, Leonardo DRS Vice President of Operations - Land Systems. “Because the campus is bisected by U.S. Route 160, it was important we arrived at a solution that addressed the safety of our community partners as well as DRS workers, while improving security and workflow connectivity. We very much appreciate the efforts of the City of West Plains, and many others at the local, state, and federal level who came together to ensure the continued success of this location and its community.”

Support was provided by the Missouri Department of Economic Development’s Community Development Block Grant program, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration, the Delta Regional Authority’s Community Infrastructure Fund, the Missouri Department of Transportation, and the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway.

In addition Leonardo DRS used the Missouri Works program, a tool that helps companies expand and retain workers by providing access to capital through withholdings or tax credits for job creation.

“This expansion shows what can be accomplished when economic development partners work together, and we’re excited to see Leonardo DRS growing in West Plains,” said Acting Director of the Department of Economic Development Maggie Kost. “This project is proof positive that our state is an ideal location for businesses to invest, expand, and thrive. Whether infrastructure, skilled talent, or local support, Missouri gets the job done.”

Leonardo DRS, formerly DRS Technologies, Inc., is a US-based defense contractor. Previously traded on the NYSE, the company was purchased by the Italian firm Finmeccanica in October 2008.

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