Aerojet Rocketdyne’s New State-of-the-Art Large Solid Rocket Motor Facility Open for Operations - Seite 2

Representative Bruce Westerman said, “Aerojet Rocketdyne’s investment in Camden is solidifying the area as a major player in the defense industry, not to mention bringing dozens more jobs to the community. I’m glad to support their work in the Fourth District and look forward to seeing this new rocket motor facility begin operating.”

Construction of the 17,000 square-foot EMD facility began last spring as part of Aerojet Rocketdyne’s ongoing expansion in Camden, where the company has long had a presence and currently produces more than 75,000 solid rocket motors per year. It was made possible with support from the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, Calhoun County and the Ouachita Partnership for Economic Development (OPED).

“We are proud to partner with Aerojet Rocketdyne as the company continues to grow in Camden and invest in technology that plays an integral role in our nation’s security efforts,” Arkansas Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston said. “Not only does Aerojet Rocketdyne serve as an international leader in the aerospace and defense industry, but it also serves as a leader in the South Arkansas community. This announcement is great news for the state.”

Executive Director for OPED James Lee Silliman said, “Ouachita Partnership for Economic Development is proud to have been a partner in Aerojet Rocketdyne’s EMD facility project by providing both job creation and workforce training incentives for this milestone expansion for the Camden operations. It required coordination and teamwork with Aerojet Rocketdyne, Governor Hutchinson's office, AEDC and Calhoun County to make this project possible. South Arkansas will reap dividends for years to come due to this investment.”

Aerojet Rocketdyne’s growth in Camden was driven by a company-wide consolidation and modernization initiative that began in 2015. Aimed at reducing costs and increasing operational efficiency, the company has demonstrated the ability to successfully transfer programs and proficiencies to other sites. Now substantially complete, Aerojet Rocketdyne surpassed its goal of reducing costs across the enterprise by $230 million annually. The company is now well-positioned to deliver innovative, affordable solutions for some of the nation’s most challenging national security requirements.