Redwire’s Huntsville expansion signals continued growth in Rocket City

Huntsville sits at the crossroads of space, defense and technology.

And nowhere was that more apparent than at Monday’s “groundbreaking” ceremony for integrated aerospace and defense company Redwire.

Actually, it was more of a “dirt throwing” as the shell of the new facility loomed in the background of the ceremony.

In fact, for Mayor Tommy Battle, who has been to his share of groundbreakings and ribbon-cuttings, it was a historic day.

“This is the first time I’ve been to a wall tilting,” he said.

Battle then addressed the importance of Redwire’s investment to Huntsville and the nation.

“This is over $13 million added to our economy year in and year out,” he said. “You see the synergy tying together space exploration, missiles, drones and aerospace.”

Redwire is adding 164,000 square feet to its campus on Electronics Boulevard increasing the company’s manufacturing and engineering capacity to develop and produce mission-critical technologies that strengthen America’s leadership in space and provide advanced capabilities to the U.S. military and its allies. 

The company announced the expansion – which includes about 150 jobs –  at last month’s Farnborough (England) International Airshow. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.

 

“The road to space and the road to security will continue to go through Huntsville,” said Mike Gold, president, Redwire (Space).

Gold has a background in space – his grandfather worked on the Apollo program and he is a former NASA associate administrator. 

“Space is in my blood,” he said. “It was a privilege to see the Artemis program go from the sketch pad to the launch pad.”

Gold said one of Redwire’s programs was building the solar arrays for the International Space Station and plans to bring solar array fabrication to the Huntsville facility.

He also touted the company’s proficiency in military aerospace technology, particularly drones.

“At this facility we will continue Redwire’s tradition of building drones,” Gold said.

The expanded campus will accelerate Redwire’s production of combat-proven Stalker UAS, Octopus gimbal payloads, advanced energy solutions, and space capabilities that support exploration, commerce, and national security. 

By expanding U.S.-based production of these essential capabilities, Redwire said it is strengthening critical domestic supply chains while helping to ensure America remains at the forefront of aerospace and defense innovation.

“This gives us a greater agility to move with rapid response,” said Josh Brungardt, co-president Redwire (defense technology). “Our systems have been in Ukraine since 2022. (We are) continuously refining our capabilities.”

The facility, built to support the nation’s space and defense needs with cutting-edge technology, will be a win-win for Huntsville, the nation and Redwire, said U.S. Rep. Dale Strong.

“Redwire’s commitment to high-paying jobs will continue to benefit in the years ahead,” said Strong (R-Huntsville). “You’ll never regret your investment in Huntsville and your better days are ahead.”