The company says the facilities will produce medium and large rocket motors for tactical and air defence missiles, missile defence targets, interceptors, hypersonic vehicles and emerging defence needs. “This is a generational project and investment, demonstrating L3Harris’ role in unleashing America’s ‘Arsenal of Freedom,’” said Christopher Kubasik, Chair and CEO, L3Harris.
Governor Sanders said the investment strengthens Arkansas’ role in supplying critical defence systems to the United States and allies. “When companies like L3Harris do business in Arkansas, it not only reinforces the aerospace and defense industry – our number one export – but it also enhances our ability to supply America’s military and our allies with critical defense systems that preserve freedom around the world,” she said.
The AAPF will use digital processes and automation, including robotic precision manufacturing, automated quality inspections and real time monitoring. It will also employ predictive maintenance analytics and autonomous ground vehicles for motor transport.
The campus will add 230,000 square feet of space to the existing 2,000 acre site, bringing manufacturing space to more than 1.5 million square feet. L3Harris says programme agnostic equipment and buildings will let the company adjust production based on demand and support evolving customer needs.
Senator John Boozman said Camden has long produced systems that support national defence and readiness. “We are proud Camden has for decades helped lead the way in producing critical weapons systems that not only bolster our national defense and mission readiness, but also ensure the U.S. continues to be a strong ally and formidable adversary,” he said.
Representative Bruce Westerman said the project meets increased national demand for domestic rocket propulsion and supports Arkansas’ economy. “It is with great pride that I congratulate L3Harris on the construction of more than 20 new facilities in East Camden,” he said.
Arkansas Economic Development Commission Executive Director Clint O’Neal said the facilities mark another step in the region’s growth. “South Arkansas is a thriving hub for the aerospace and defense industry, and L3Harris’ groundbreaking for its new solid rocket motor manufacturing facilities is the latest milestone in the region’s industrial growth,” he said.
The company plans to spend 193 million dollars of the more than 400 million dollar investment with Arkansas businesses. L3Harris has produced rocket motors in Camden since 1979 and manufactures more than 115,000 units a year.
Overall, L3Harris is investing more than half a billion dollars across its solid rocket motor sites in Virginia, Arkansas and Alabama. The company says the expansion will support production of motors of all sizes for national defence needs.
