IPG Photonics invests in new laser defense manufacturing facility in Alabama
IPG Photonics has announced plans to open a new office and manufacturing facility in Huntsville, Alabama. The company, which develops high-power fiber lasers and laser-based solutions for industrial and defense applications, invested in transforming a 14,000-square-foot space at Redstone Gateway into the headquarters for its newly formed IPG Defense business. The project will create new jobs across engineering, applications, operations, and field support.
The facility is designed to support the development and production of IPG’s CROSSBOW line of laser defense products and to accelerate design and manufacturing timelines to meet rising demand. The space also includes collaborative work areas and technology demonstration zones where customers can engage directly with IPG experts.
Located in Huntsville—known as the “Rocket City”—the facility benefits from access to a strong local defense and engineering talent base. The company’s operations will focus on producing laser defense systems for both military and civilian use, while also expanding opportunities for advanced manufacturing and workforce development in the region.
During the facility’s opening, Representative Dale Strong (AL-05) toured the site and observed a live demonstration of IPG’s CROSSBOW counter-UAS high-energy laser system, designed to neutralize drone threats quickly and effectively
What people are saying
In a recent quote, Dr. Ben Allison, vice president of IPG Defense Products, said, “This new facility enables our engineers to more rapidly design, develop and manufacture our current line of CROSSBOW laser defense products, and allows us to scale up the local workforce to meet the increased demand for our laser defense solutions.”
Representative Dale Strong (AL-05), added, “I’m proud to visit IPG Defense and see the important work they’re doing to strengthen our defense position through local advanced manufacturing and new job creation. North Alabama continues to play a central role in our nation’s security mission, and now we will further increase our capabilities by adding new Counter-UAS laser defense solutions to our region.”
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