Kay Ivey announces military contractor expansion in Huntsville

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Photo Credit: https://governor.alabama.gov/

Gov. Kay Ivey announced today that defense contractor KBR is planning to expand its operations in Huntsville with a new headquarters facility. The expansion will bring more than 160 additional jobs.

KBR will consolidate its presence in Huntsville at two buildings being developed at Redstone Gateway by Corporate Office Properties Trust (COPT) in partnership with Jim Wilson & Associates as part of a $65 million project. The growth plans will allow KBR to retain its workforce of over 1,100 people in the city.

Kay Ivey stated, “It’s always great to see a company like KBR that has a major presence in Alabama decide to expand its operation in the state, especially when the jobs being added are highly technical and well paying. KBR is a world-class company, and I look forward to seeing it grow and thrive in Huntsville’s dynamic economy.”

Based out of Houston, Texas, KBR will provide engineering, scientific, and technical services to the defense and aerospace industries at its new location just outside Redstone Arsenal, a sprawling government installation. Set to be operational in early 2023, KBR has executed two leases with the real estate partners to occupy 90% of a 172,500-square-foot office building and roughly half of a 45,000 square-foot R&D facility at Redstone Gateway.

“Recently named one of the ‘Best Places to Live in the U.S.,’ KBR is excited to enhance its presence in Huntsville, specifically at Redstone Gateway,” said Byron Bright, KBR Government Solutions president. “Whether we’re defending our nation or supporting the latest missions in space, we equip those on the frontline and those exploring a new frontier. As our capabilities in aerospace engineering, asset management, and spaceflight operations continue to evolve and grow, maintaining offices in close proximity to both existing and future customers is the right thing to do.”

Huntsville officials have welcomed the expansion plans.

Mayor Tommy Battle commented, “We’re glad to see KBR expanding in Huntsville where the company’s best and the brightest engineers and innovators contribute to aerospace and defense industries. Congratulations to KBR and to COPT on this exciting venture.”

Thomas Birnbach, president and vice chairman of real estate firm Cresa, said, “This deal represents a consolidation and commitment for KBR in the Huntsville market that will allow KBR to take advantage of new workplace strategies and standards, maximize efficiency, while at the same time upgrade their facilities significantly for their workforce.”