Sterling Heights officials, along with local business leaders, broke ground during a ceremony that was held on the future location of an international defense company that will create hundreds of jobs in the area.

BAE Systems Land & Armaments is expanding into Sterling Heights.  The global company makes armored military vehicles and the new facility will host over 600 high-tech jobs.  Bringing a $58 million investment into the area will definitely spur the economy of Sterling Heights and other nearby towns.

BAE selected the 80-acre site that used to be occupied by the TRW Automotive plant.  A four-story engineering building and a 50,000 sq. ft. research and development (R & D) center will be built on the property.  The site was chosen by the company due to its close proximity to one of its primary customers, TACOM in Warren, and access to a local available and highly skilled work force.

BAE is most noted for producing the Bradley fighting vehicle.

Sterling Heights officials provided BAE a tax abatement, tax credit and a job training grant as incentives for their move into the city.  Governor Jennifer Granholm stated that she initiated discussions with BAE two years ago about considering a move to the area.  She was drawn to the company due to its background and knowledge of the auto industry.

Governor Granholm said that it is critical that the state focus on adding new business sectors, especially ones that fit with existing sectors.  She said that a strategic target is homeland security and defense, and that she will continue to doggedly pursue these type of jobs.

Over 400 employees have already been hired by BAE, and the company has leased space for the new company members.  The majority of the positions filled are in engineering.

Expected for completion by July 2010, the 50,000 sq. ft. R & D building will be used to create prototypes.  The four-story office facility is anticipated for completion by the fall of 2011.

Sounds like things are looking up for the Sterling Heights economy, and residential sales have most likely benefited, too.  With over 400 jobs added just recently, you’d think that some of those new employees purchased homes in the area.  If not, they will soon.

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