BAE Systems today hosted a special grand opening ceremony to celebrate the expansion of its facilities in West Chester, Ohio, to a total of 890,000 square feet to support production of troop protection products, including armored vehicles, armor kits and accessories, as well as ballistic glass.

BAE Systems previously occupied nine plants in Butler County with 440,000 square feet total. Production has also been consolidated into three major campuses, including an expansion of its ballistic glass plant and ballistic testing facility, resulting in 890,000 square feet of manufacturing and office space

“West Chester Township, Butler County and the State of Ohio have been extremely supportive of our facilities’ rapid expansion to produce life-saving products,” said Tony Russell, vice president of Vehicle Armor for BAE Systems. “This support comes in the form of development sponsorships as well as real time solutions to unexpected challenges. Our partnership has created increased economic strength through job creation for the long term.”

Attending the opening were U.S. Rep. John Boehner (R- Ohio), Paul Mann, joint program manager, Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Vehicle Program for the U.S. Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Virginia, and representatives from West Chester Township, Butler County and the State of Ohio.

“BAE Systems is one of the largest employers in Butler County, and I’m very pleased to see them expand and bring more highly skilled jobs into our area,” said Congressman Boehner. “The work they do here is critical to winning the Global War on Terror and giving our brave men and women in uniform - who stand in harm’s way to ensure our freedom – the best equipment and protection.”

BAE Systems has invested $46 million in West Chester, including new equipment and machinery, expansion of the glass plant, and improvements to its existing facilities. The expansion has added 700 jobs in the last year, including positions in engineering and production, resulting in more than 1,650 employees in Cincinnati.

“The success of this operation is testimony to the great things we can achieve when employees, management, suppliers, community groups, and civic leaders work in harmony,” said Denny Dellinger, president of BAE Systems’ Mobility and Protection Systems. “Everyone wins, but particularly the American servicemen and women who spend night and day protecting us.”

The Cincinnati operations have played a vital role in both the Caiman and RG33 MRAP programs by providing armor systems for both vehicles. Other products and capabilities in Cincinnati include up-armored vehicles, commercial armored vehicles, integrated armor kits and accessories for a full range of tactical wheeled vehicles, combat vehicles and construction equipment and a state-of-the art ballistic glass plant.

About BAE Systems

BAE Systems is the premier global defense and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions and customer support services. With 97,500 employees worldwide, BAE Systems’ sales exceeded £15.7 billion (US$31.4 billion) in 2007.

Contacts

BAE Systems
Eva Keller, +1 513-881-9825
Mobile: +1 513-615-9034
eva.keller {at} baesystems(.)com
or
Susan Lenover, +1 703-907-8259
Mobile: +1 703-850-1621
susan.lenover {at} baesystems(.)com
www.baesystems.com