9/4/2007 - Raytheon expands Forest facility

Reprinted from the Scott County Times By Chris Allen Baker, Times News Editor FOREST — One of Scott County’s most supportive corporate residents became stronger last week as Raytheon opened a new wing of its facility which is expected to mean more than 100 new jobs. Dignitaries from the top of Raytheon’s corporate administration were greeted by Gov. Haley Barbour as they held a grand opening ceremony Aug. 2 inside one of the main halls of a 90,000 square foot facility, capping 11 months of construction. Local officials said Tuesday that of the total amount, approximately $950,000, passed through the Scott County Board of Supervisors as a conduit of state grants, but the overall amount of Raytheon’s investments was much higher. Raytheon’s Consolidated Manufacturing Center, which manufactures radar and other sensor systems for a variety of military programs, expects to add approximately 110 jobs as current programs expand and new ones begin. The current number of employees is about 750. “The growth at Forest is a direct result of the hard work and dedication of our employees,” Raytheon Chairman and CEO William H. Swanson said. “They are building the top-quality systems that our customers have come to expect from us. We are extremely proud of their efforts. The products produced here provide for the safety of our military around the world.” The expansion also means that the Forest facility is the company’s largest location. Barbour, who noted that he had a strong relationship with Raytheon through regular contact with their executives and having been a guest speaker in development programs, said Raytheon’s presence in Scott County is reflective of the people in this area and the state. “We’re very proud of Raytheon and what they are doing in Forest. We want more Raytheons in Mississippi,” Barbour said. “For Raytheon to make their home here speaks volumes of what it says about Mississippi. This is a great opportunity for Forest. This is a first of its kind and is attributed to the workforce. People are passionate about working here.” Local officials attending the event included the mayors of Forest and Lake as well as the Scott County Board of Supervisors, Forest Area Chamber of Commerce, state legislators and representatives of the state’s congressional delegation. In addition to Gov. Barbour, other state leaders included Gray Swoope, executive director of the Mississippi Development Authority. Local officials voiced support for Raytheon’s contribution to the community. “The City of Forest joins with all of Scott County today in celebrating the dedication of the Consolidated Manufacturing Center at the Forest Raytheon Facility,” said Forest Mayor Nancy Chambers. “We salute Raytheon officials and Gov. Haley Barbour and all involved for their tireless efforts to make this tremendous addition to the facility a reality and for the bright promise that it brings to our community.”

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