The company broke ground in April 2025 and has begun moving staff into the site. Leadership, administrative, quality, technical and production support functions are arriving in phases while construction continues.
Buildings dedicated to assembly and integration remain under construction. Saab said the current move-in is part of a planned production ramp-up and that the facility has not officially opened.
Adding domestic manufacturing capacity
The Grayling plant will be Saab’s eleventh facility in the United States. A supporting office in Auburn Hills will form the second part of its Michigan footprint.
The plant’s proximity to Camp Grayling, home to the Michigan National Guard, will allow closer engagement with customers, according to Saab. The company also cited northern Michigan’s manufacturing workforce as a resource for its expansion.
“We are thrilled to be part of the Grayling community and look forward to growing together,” said Erik Smith. “Saab’s investment here reflects not only our commitment to strengthening the U.S. defense industrial base but also to supporting and uplifting the communities where we operate.”
