Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. has announced plans to build a new advanced manufacturing facility in Bristow, Oklahoma. The company, which produces the GEK family of turbojet engines, is investing in a facility expected to create 60 new jobs initially, with potential for more as production expands.
The new manufacturing site will be a 50,000-square-foot facility situated on 20 acres, with plans to expand to 100,000 square feet. It will house up to five GEK engine production lines, with an initial production capacity of 500 engines annually, supporting thrust classes from 600 to 6,000 pounds. The facility is expected to open by mid-2026, with full operations ramping by the fourth quarter of that year.
The plant will feature three small engine test cells for engines producing between 200 and 2,000 pounds of thrust, expected to be operational in 2027. This aspect of the project is supported by approved grant funding from the State of Oklahoma.
What people are saying
In a recent quote, Stacey Rock, President of Kratos Turbine Technologies, said, “This facility underscores Kratos’ strategy of delivering affordable, high-performance, made-in-America propulsion systems at scale. Bristow will be a critical site for delivering mass to the mission and meeting the growing propulsion needs of our defense customers.”
Kevin Stitt, Governor of Oklahoma, added, “This is a big win for American workers, for our military, and for every Oklahoman who believes in freedom, innovation, and strength. Kratos could’ve gone anywhere in the world, but they choose to continue investing in Oklahoma because it is the best place to build, grow, and do business. Oklahoma is proud to be a hub for national defense that is leading the way in rebuilding America’s industrial base and powering the technologies that keep our country safe.”
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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.