Kratos to build turbojet engine manufacturing facility in Oklahoma 

Kratos to build turbojet engine manufacturing facility in Oklahoma 

July 8, 2025
The new facility will initially produce 500 engines annually and is expected to create 60 high-quality jobs. 

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.” 

Manufacturers investing in Oklahoma 

Blue Whale Materials to receive $55M to expand lithium-ion battery recycling facility in Oklahoma 
BWM will invest $110 million into the project, allowing the plant to process up to 50,000 tons of battery feedstock annually.

NorSun invests $620 million to build solar wafer manufacturing plant in Oklahoma 
Construction is expected to begin in 2024, with production starting in 2026.

GF Central Plastics begins construction on $30 million manufacturing plant in Oklahoma 
When operational, the new facility will house GF Central Plastics’ gas meter fabrication department.

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. 

About the Author

Alexis Gajewski | Senior Content Strategist

Alexis Gajewski has over 15 years of experience in the maintenance, reliability, operations, and manufacturing space. She joined Plant Services in 2008 and works to bring readers the news, insight, and information they need to make the right decisions for their plants. Alexis also authors “The Lighter Side of Manufacturing,” a blog that highlights the fun and innovative advances in the industrial sector. 

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