Redwire officials, local leaders and elected officials gathered Tuesday to celebrate the start of construction on the company’s expanded Huntsville campus, a project expected to create about 150 new high-skilled jobs while strengthening the region’s role in national defense and space exploration.

The 164,000-square-foot facility at Jetplex Industrial Park will support production of Redwire’s unmanned aircraft systems, advanced energy technologies and space systems. The company said the expansion will enhance manufacturing for technologies supporting U.S. warfighters while also advancing commercial and civil space missions.

Redwire first announced the expansion during the Farnborough International Airshow in July. Construction is already underway, with completion expected in late 2027.

Mike Gold, president of Redwire Space, said the company’s investment in Huntsville reflects both his family’s connection to the space program and the city’s continuing leadership in aerospace.

“My grandfather worked on the Apollo missions. My mother still works on STEM programs as a NASA contractor. Space is in my blood, and it is here in Huntsville that the dream of space exploration and defense becomes a reality,” Gold said.

Gold said Redwire plans to bring fabrication of its solar array technology to Huntsville while continuing to manufacture drone systems that support military operations.

“Redwire is proud to have built the innovative rollout solar arrays powering the International Space Station today,” Gold said. “Moreover, our company is building the most powerful solar arrays ever deployed in space.”

He also highlighted the company’s defense mission.

“Behind me, we will continue Redwire’s proud tradition of building drones to support and protect our courageous men and women in uniform, ensuring that the light of liberty that America shines throughout the world never dims,” Gold said.

U.S. Rep. Dale Strong said Redwire’s investment reinforces North Alabama’s position as a national center for aerospace and defense.

“Redwire’s commitment to creating reliable, high-paying jobs right here in Huntsville will benefit our community for generations to come,” Strong (R-Huntsville) said. “North Alabama continues to prove itself as a major player providing the critical capabilities our service members depend on to ensure the United States remains ahead of our adversaries.”

Strong said the region’s defense assets position Huntsville for continued growth.

“We’re in a new era of strategic competition, and nowhere is that more clear than in space,” he said. “Every job created and every system built is part of how we stay ahead, not just for today but for generations ahead.”

Strong pointed to Redstone Arsenal, the future headquarters for U.S. Space Command and the proposed Golden Dome missile defense initiative as examples of the area’s growing strategic importance.

Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle said the project builds on Huntsville’s expanding aerospace and defense economy.

“We were talking about Redwire’s expansion, 150 jobs, 164,000 square feet, over $13 million added to our economy year in and year out,” Battle said. “You see the synergy tying together space exploration, missiles, drones and aerospace.”

Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce Chair Jami Peyton said the announcement — first made on the international stage at Farnborough — demonstrates Huntsville’s growing reputation.

“Huntsville is a place where world-class companies choose to grow because of the strength of our people, our partnerships and our shared vision for the future,” Peyton said.

She said the project will accelerate production of mission-critical technologies while creating 150 new manufacturing, integration and technical operations jobs.

The facility is being developed by Twenty Lakes Holdings. Managing Director Glenn Chudacoff said Redwire became a natural fit after discussions began about a year ago and praised Huntsville’s business climate.

“In all my years, I’ve yet to meet a municipality and state more pro-business and supportive to attract businesses to Huntsville,” Chudacoff said. “Bringing our capital to Huntsville is an easy decision based on what you do for us.”

He said the city’s collaborative approach has encouraged additional investment, including new industrial projects elsewhere in Huntsville.

Premier Design Build Group Executive Vice President Jason Hart, whose company is constructing the facility, said the project stands out because of its national security mission.

“We don’t get to do that all the time as builders,” Hart said. “We’re just very privileged to be here and do our small part for the defense of our country,” he said. “We’re supporting the United States with the great work that Redwire does here.”

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