L3Harris Technologies has broken ground on four new solid rocket motor production facilities at its site in Camden, Arkansas. The company, which designs and manufactures aerospace and defense systems, partnered with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to invest $215.6 million into this expansion. This new development includes a 60,000-square-foot facility that will centralize production, increasing efficiency by reducing transportation distances for key components. The expansion also includes new propellant processing buildings and a dedicated mixer building to support the growing demand for tactical and strategic missile capabilities.

The new facilities will incorporate new technologies, including modern equipment and updated manufacturing processes, to support an increase in solid rocket motor production. The project is part of a broader $215.6 million cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Defense’s Defense Production Act Title III program, which aims to strengthen the domestic manufacturing of rocket propulsion systems.

What people are saying

In a recent quote, Ken Bedingfield, President, Aerojet Rocketdyne, L3Harris, said, “Expanding solid rocket motor production in Arkansas is a strategic investment in our nation’s security at a time when defense and deterrence are increasingly critical on the global stage. Our propulsion is a key enabler of the ‘Arsenal of Democracy 2.0,’ and L3Harris is committed to ramping up production to support the defense of our nation, its allies and partners.”

Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders added, “Aerospace is Arkansas’ largest export industry, and my administration is working hard to grow Camden’s reputation as an aerospace powerhouse, not just in Arkansas but around the country and the world. This announcement reinforces Camden’s role in Arkansas’ economy and America’s national defense and I am grateful for L3Harris’ continued commitment to the Natural State.”

Manufacturers investing in Arkansas

RTX to build $33 million manufacturing facility in Arkansas
RXT will partner with Rafael Advanced Defense Systems to invest $33 million into the project and generate 30 new jobs for the surrounding area.

Federal Metal Company to invest $17.8 million into new Arkansas manufacturing facility
The company, which specializes in copper-based cast alloys, will invest $17.8 million to build a new plant where aluminum copper radiators will be recycled.

Owens Corning to build 150,000-square-foot facility in Arkansas
Production at the Russellville plant, which will manufacture Foamular NGX extruded polystyrene (XPS) insulation, will begin in 2025.

Investing in American manufacturing in 2025

This map shows where manufacturers are choosing to invest their resources, whether they are building new production facilities or expanding existing plants.