atlas-v.jpg

It's the commercial satellite launch market illustrated by this launch that Aerojet Rocketdyne's new engine is designed to serve. The company will build the new engine in Alabama and have it operational in 2019. (File)

Aerojet Rocketdyne is bringing 800 new jobs to Huntsville and building a state-of-the art factory where those workers will produce its next-generation rocket engine, the company announced today.

The move comes as Aerojet Rocketdyne consolidates operations at its Sacramento and Vernon, Calif., and Gainesville, Va., sites.

"At the company's Sacramento site, defense-related program management, engineering and related support positions will be moved to the company's Huntsville, Ala., facilities, home of Aerojet Rocketdyne's Defense headquarters and Rocket Shop Defense Advanced Programs, by the end of 2018," the company said.

"We believe these actions are essential for the performance of our business and the growth of the company," company president Eileen Drake said. "The results from this initiative will benefit our valued employees, customers and shareholders alike."

Local leaders said the company will build a state-of-the-art production plant at North Huntsville Industrial Park on Pulaski Pike featuring additive manufacturing, composites production and research and development. It expects to be ready for production of the new liquid-fueled AR1 engine in mid-2019.

That's the year Congress has ordered rocket companies to stop using Russia's RD-180 engine. Aerojet Rocketdyne says it is on schedule to deliver a certified AR1 in 2019.

Aerojet had announced in January that it would produce the new rocket engine in Huntsville and bring 100 jobs to the city to start ramping up the new operation. Today's announcement confirms at least another 700 jobs.

In its January announcement, Aerojet cited "the top-tier talent at the University of Alabama in Huntsville's Propulsion Research Center, the exceptional level of rocket engine expertise at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center and at our teammate, Dynetics, and in the local community" as reasons for its move.

UAH has a federally financed aeronautical and astronautical engineering research program ranked 6th in the nation, according to the National Science Foundation.

"Aerojet Rocketdyne's announcement today is excellent news for our state," U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Tuscaloosa) said in a statement. "North Alabama remains the nation's epicenter for aerospace and defense research, development, and production. I am pleased to see Aerojet Rocketdyne investing and growing in Alabama, and I look forward to working with them and other businesses to continue boosting economic development opportunities."

Mayor Tommy Battle said the announcement "is another great example of our effort to diversify Huntsville's economy with high-quality advance manufacturing, and yet, Aerojet Rocketdyne is here because of Huntsville's outstanding role in research and defense technology. This project works all facets of our economy by marrying R&D with advanced manufacturing."

"Everyone knows Madison County, Ala., is home to Rocket City USA where rockets and propulsion truly began," County Commission Chairman Dale Strong said. "The announcement by Aeroject Rocketdyne ... reaffirms we are and will continue to be Rocket City USA."

(Updated at 5:45 p.m. with new details throughout)