HUNTSVILLE — With its new solid rocket motor production facility covering more than six football fields, it’s easy to say that L3Harris Technologies is making a huge investment in Huntsville and the nation’s defense.
The facility. known as Advanced Manufacturing Facility – South (AMF-South), is designed and equipped to support surging production demands and emerging missile defense needs, including President Donald Trump’s Golden Dome.
“Solid rocket motors remain essential to the vast majority of critical defense programs that protect our communities, military and allies,” said Ken Bedingfield, president, Aerojet Rocketdyne, L3Harris. “Our growth in Huntsville represents another significant investment we are making to boost production capacity of critical components, and we’re proud that they are being made in Alabama.”
L3Harris showcased the production facility to elected officials and customers Monday afternoon. AMF-South features 379,000 square feet of space and specializes in manufacturing inert SRM components like nozzles, exit cones, aft closures and cases.
“Huntsville’s dynamic business climate is centered on workforce and technology, and this L3Harris state-of-the-art Advanced Manufacturing Facility is at the intersection of those priorities,” said Mayor Tommy Battle. “With this new facility, L3Harris will continue its commitment to innovation and excellence by developing the latest technologies in inert manufacturing for solid rocket motors to support critical defense programs designed to protect our nation.
“Congratulations, and thank you for being an excellent community partner.”
$20 million investment
L3Harris invested more than $20 million in renovations to support the facility, which is designed to be scalable, efficient and highly flexible. AMF-South features equipment like hydraulic presses, autoclaves, tape-wrap systems and composite machining that will help deliver high-quality inert components faster and with greater precision.
The company’s Title III Defense Production Act cooperative agreement with the Department of Defense helped to fund additional equipment and tooling purchases.
“This state-of-the-art defense manufacturing facility, spanning an impressive area equivalent to 6.5 football fields, is a testament to our state’s commitment to innovation and progress to support our warfighters,” said Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn). “L3Harris’ ongoing expansion is not only creating jobs but also reinforcing Huntsville as a leader in advanced manufacturing.
“I look forward to the incredible opportunities this facility will bring to Huntsville and the state of Alabama.”
AMF-South is supporting programs such as the Standard Missile, Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System and Javelin, with plans to support additional programs. Expansion efforts have already resulted in approximately 40 new jobs for the area, and the company expects to create more than 100 additional jobs to support operations at the site over the next few years.
AMF-South complements L3Harris’s AMF-North facility
“L3Harris’ continued growth in Huntsville is a testament to Alabama’s leadership in defense and aerospace innovation,” said Gov. Kay Ivey. “The opening of this advanced manufacturing facility strengthens our state’s role in supporting critical national security programs and brings high-quality jobs to North Alabama.
“I commend L3Harris for its commitment to investing in our workforce and fueling the next chapter of growth in the Rocket City.”
L3Harris’ expanded AMF-South facility complements the existing 136,000-square-foot Advanced Manufacturing Facility – North in Huntsville, which opened in 2019.
“I am proud to see L3Harris expanding its solid rocket motor production right here in North Alabama,” said Rep. Dale Strong (R-Huntsville). “This investment not only strengthens our region’s role in supporting critical defense programs but also creates high-quality jobs for our residents.
“I look forward to seeing this facility grow and thrive in the years ahead as it drives innovation to help keep our nation safe.”
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