General Atomics Announces Tenth Expansion In Shannon

JACKSON, Miss. (PRESS RELEASE) – General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems is expanding for the tenth time in 13 years in Shannon, Miss. The project is a $20 million private capital investment and creates 48 jobs.

“General Atomics’ latest expansion in Lee County strengthens Mississippi’s position as a leader in the defense industry while highlighting to companies around the world our state’s ability to compete and win in the global marketplace,” Gov. Phil Bryant said.

The expansion supports increased demands for airborne, maritime and land military lasers, as well as increased fabrication needs. The project includes a 128,000-square-foot addition to an existing facility, which will house manufacturing operations for complex, lightweight, compact and powerful laser systems and expanded fabrication facilities. The government and commercial product growth diversifies GA-EMS’ portfolio of manufacturing into several areas and drives the need for the expansion.

“We’re extremely excited to once again break ground and expand our facilities here in Mississippi. We’ve focused on building a solid foundation of expertise, talent, and specialized manufacturing equipment in the region over the past decade to meet the needs of our worldwide customer base,” said GA-EMS President Scott Forney. “It’s through investment and expansion efforts like this that we are able to strengthen our capacity and continue to deliver the critical technologies necessary to support our nation’s military forces and commercial customers now and into the future.”

The Mississippi Development Authority is providing assistance to help with equipment costs. Lee County will provide property tax exemptions.

“For 13 years, General Atomics has been a leader in growing Lee County’s economy while protecting and defending freedom around the world through their investment in innovative defense systems manufactured by Mississippians in Shannon,” said MDA Executive Director Glenn McCullough, Jr. “This expansion proves how public-private partnerships benefit Mississippians by creating exciting new career opportunities, which will have an enduring positive effect in the local community, as well as throughout North Mississippi, for many years to come.”

GA-EMS currently employs 256 workers in Shannon. The company expects to fill the 48 new jobs over the next three years.

###

About Mississippi Development Authority

Mississippi Development Authority is the state’s lead economic and community development agency. MDA focuses on new business recruitment, existing business expansion, workforce training, and tourism promotion. For more information, visit MDA’s website at www.mississippi.org.

About General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) Group is a global leader in the research, design, and manufacture of first-of-a-kind electromagnetic and electric power generation systems. GA-EMS’ history of research, development, and technology innovation has led to an expanding portfolio of specialized products and integrated system solutions supporting aviation, space systems and satellites, missile defense, power and energy, and processing and monitoring applications for critical defense, industrial, and commercial customers worldwide.