Saab is to boost its US-based production capacity by building a new munitions factory in Grayling, Michegan, the company announced on 24 September 2024.
“Saab is moving quickly to increase US munitions production capacity and meet the urgent needs of our customers, building on our decades-long relationship with the US military,” Saab stated in a press release.
Once open, the facility will be used for final assembly and integration of shoulder-fired munitions and precision fire systems. Groundbreaking will take place in the fourth quarter of 2024, with initial manufacturing starting in early 2026.
“Given current global security challenges, it is critical the United States strengthens its national defence capacity. Saab is proud to partner with the state of Michigan and the local community to establish a world-class facility that, with our range of products, will increase and modernize the domestic production of munition systems,” said Erik Smith, president and CEO of Saab’s US business. “We are making a long-term commitment not only to the US defence-industrial base, but to the local community as well. Saab plays a positive role in the communities where we live and work, creating jobs and investing in the local community, and we look forward to joining the Grayling community.”
“Saab’s transformative investment in Grayling will create 70 jobs and contribute to Michigan’s proud legacy and leadership in the defence industry,” added Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “We will continue pursuing our comprehensive economic development strategy to secure projects, invest in people, and uplift places across Michigan. With Saab’s decision to ‘Make It in Michigan’, we are building on our economic momentum and strong reputation as a leader in advanced manufacturing. We built the arsenal of democracy to win WWII and will keep rolling up our sleeves to protect our national defence.”
The facility in Grayling will be the 10th Saab facility in the United States. The company’s other facilities include advanced aerospace manufacturing in West Lafayette, Indiana; radar and sensor systems in Syracuse, New York; training and simulation in Orlando, Florida; autonomous and undersea systems in Cranston, Rhode Island, and Quincy, Massachusetts; and most recently a new operationally focused incubator in San Diego, California.
