For the second time in six months, General Atomics has announced a major expansion of its footprint in Mississippi.
The company that creates technology for the U.S. military and other government agencies announced Thursday it is investing $87 million into its Lee County location. In March, General Atomics announced a $25 million investment to update and expand its advanced weapons production line at its Electromagnetic Systems Group Manufacturing Center in Shannon.
Thursday’s investment is set to create 125 jobs and see a 200,000-square-foot manufacturing facility be constructed. The new building will expand production capabilities for the company’s advanced weapons system.
General Atomics leaders said the investment will allow the company to manufacture a maneuvering 155-millimeter precision-guided munition called Vektrex that is designed to extend the range and effectiveness of artillery forces and other precision-strike programs. The project is expected to be completed in 2028.
“A strong defense industrial base is essential to America’s security and economic growth,” General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems President Scott Forney said. “This investment strengthens our ability to meet evolving national security needs by expanding manufacturing capacity, creating high-quality jobs, and driving innovation that supports America’s long-term defense readiness.”
The Mississippi Development Authority is helping with site preparation and construction costs along with support through the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive. Lee County is also assisting with the project.
“Projects of this scale happen when strong partnerships are in place and everyone is focused on getting the job done as quickly as possible. That’s what Mississippi delivers,” MDA Executive Director Bill Cork said. “For years, General Atomics’ team in Shannon has developed and manufactured the advanced defense technologies that directly support our nation’s security, and Mississippi is proud to remain a major part of that work.”
General Atomics located in Shannon in 2005 and, once Thursday’s announced investment is complete, will have expanded 15 times since opening. It employs hundreds of employees who either live in or outside Lee County.
