Blue Origin officially opens $200 million Alabama rocket engine factory
The $200 million investment is expected to create hundreds of jobs in north Alabama.
Blue Origin launches construction of $200M Ala. rocket engine plant
Space flight company Blue Origin this morning kicked off construction on a $200 million plant in Huntsville that will produce the BE-4 rocket engine for future national security and other missions. The 200,000-square-foot facility will be built on 46 acres at Explorer Boulevard and Pegasus Drive in Cummings Research Park. The project will create more than 300 jobs in Huntsville. Executives from Blue Origin and rocket maker United Launch Alliance joined Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey and community leaders for a groundbreaking ceremony at the plant site this morning. “It’s a great day here in Rocket City,” said Bob Smith, CEO of Blue Origin. “Thanks to the votes of confidence from United Launch Alliance, from the Air Force for national security missions, and from Huntsville and the state of Alabama, we are breaking ground on a facility to produce our world-class engines and power the next generation of spaceflight.” He told the crowd at the event: “Blue Origin is all in on Alabama.” The Huntsville manufacturing plant is expected to open in 2020, and the first flight test of the new engine is expected in 2021. “Blue Origin is a welcome addition to Alabama’s roster of world-class aerospace firms, and its new rocket engine facility in Huntsville will expand the state’s already robust capabilities in space flight,” Ivey said. Powering ULA’s next rocket Using the latest design and manufacturing techniques, the BE-4 is made for both commercial and government missions. The BE-4 uses oxygen-rich staged combustion of liquid oxygen and liquefied natural gas to produce 550,000 pounds of thrust. It’s undergoing full-scale engine development testing in company facilities in Van Horn, Texas. At today’s event, Smith said Blue Origin also plans to produce a variant of its BE-3 rocket engine at the Huntsville facility. He added that the company is in discussions with NASA to test the engines on the historic test stands at Marshall Space Flight Center. ULA selected the BE-4 to power its next-generation rocket, the Vulcan Centaur, the successor to the Atlas V and Saturn IV launch vehicles now assembled in Alabama. ULA’s production facility is in Decatur, just miles away from the site selected by Blue Origin. “I am pleased that Blue Origin has chosen to join the more than 200 ULA suppliers doing business here in Alabama,” ULA CEO Tory Bruno said. “The state of Alabama knows how to attract and help business grow and I could not be more thrilled to be part of the resurgence of rocket and engine development in the Tennessee Valley.” The production of the BE-4 engine is seen as critical to ending U.S. dependence on Russia for access to space for critical national security space systems. The BE-4 will also power Blue Origin’s reusable New Glenn launch system, which has been selected by the U.S. Air Force for future national security missions. ‘Perfect home’ Kent, Washington-based Blue Origin, founded by Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, announced plans for the state-of-the-art production facility in Huntsville in June 2017. At the time, Blue Origin said it chose Huntsville for this project because of its high-tech aerospace manufacturing workforce and ecosystem, including NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, nearly 300 private aerospace and defense contractors, and the University of Alabama in Huntsville, a top university for NASA research funding. “Blue Origin selected the perfect home for this new rocket engine manufacturing because Huntsville has been a center of innovation in rocket propulsion for decades,” said Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. “I look forward to seeing the lofty heights the partnership between this dynamic space flight company and Alabama’s historic Rocket City can reach in the future.” Mayor Tommy Battle said Huntsville is “ready to deliver” for Blue Origin, which he called “an innovative commercial space company that is changing what we think is possible in space.” “These BE-4 engines will power launch systems to put everything from satellites and products into orbit to space tourists and perhaps even space settlers into the final frontier,” he said. “You truly can’t get to space and explore all of its untold promise without going through Huntsville first.” He added: “We will produce the greatest rocket engines in the world right here in Huntsville.”
Groundbreaking set this week for Alabama rocket engine plant
A company founded by Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos will break ground in Alabama later this week on a plant to build a new rocket engine. Al.com reported that Blue Origin’s groundbreaking is set Friday in Huntsville. The plant will make Blue Origin’s BE-4 engine, which will power the next generation of rockets produced by United Launch Alliance in Decatur. The engine will be powered by liquid oxygen and liquefied natural gas. Blue Origin said in 2017 it would locate in Alabama near the Decatur ULA plant. The engine will also power Blue Origin’s next-generation New Glenn rocket. That rocket is under development. The company said the plant will have about 340 employees and cost about $200 million. The rocket will be assembled in Florida near Kennedy Space Center launch site. Republished with permission from the Associated Press.
Alabama aerospace industry gains velocity with new investment
Alabama’s aerospace and aviation industry is recording a landmark year, with a major haul of project announcements that bring the promise of international prominence to communities and workers across the state. So far this year, aerospace companies have unveiled plans to invest at least $500 million and bring more than 2,200 jobs to Alabama in new facilities or expansions of existing operations. That follows another solid year of growth for the industry in 2016, when project announcements involved $260 million in new investment and 2,000 additional jobs. “Alabama has long been a major player in designing and manufacturing the most innovative, complex solutions to conquer skies and space, and we are continuing to shape the global industry today,” said Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. “Companies around the world know our workforce has proven itself, time and time again, and that’s why they keep turning to this state to help solve modern industry challenges and achieve the latest groundbreaking work,” he added. Leonardo in Tuskegee One of this year’s major announcements came from global aerospace and defense firm Leonardo, which plans to build the T-100 jet trainer at Tuskegee’s Moton Field if it wins a U.S. Air Force contract for a next-generation training aircraft. The project calls for the creation of 750 jobs over a 10-year period beginning in 2019. The potential opportunity for Tuskegee and the surrounding area is huge, and it would add a new chapter to the region’s aviation legacy. Moton Field is where the legendary Tuskegee Airmen trained during World War II. Canfield led an Alabama delegation that last week met with Leonardo executives and toured a factory in Italy where the company manufactures jet trainer aircraft. The objective of the mission was to help advance preparations under way in Alabama for the development of the manufacturing facility at Moton Field. Rocket engines Other key 2017 announcements include a pair of new rocket engine factories in Huntsville. Blue Origin, the spaceflight company started by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, plans to manufacture its BE-4 engine in a new $200 million, 342-job facility. At the same time, Aerojet Rocketdyne is expanding its Huntsville operation with plans for 800 jobs and a new manufacturing plant for its ARI rocket engine and other parts. The companies cite Alabama’s skilled workforce and industry prominence. “Alabama is a great state for aerospace manufacturing and we are proud to produce America’s next rocket engine right here in the Rocket City,” Robert Meyerson, president of Blue Origin, said at the time of the company’s project announcement. “The area’s skilled workforce and leading role in rocket propulsion development make Huntsville the ideal location for our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility.” Aerospace clusters Elsewhere in the state, more industry breakthroughs are on the horizon. GE recently selected Auburn University as one of eight universities in the world to participate in an innovative program focusing on 3-D printing research and education initiatives. Nearby, the GE Aviation plant in Auburn is using additive manufacturing to mass produce fuel nozzle injectors. The company says the nozzle is the first complex jet engine component produced with 3-D printing technology. And Airbus, which builds its A320 Family aircraft at its $600 million plant in Mobile, said last month that it will partner with Canadian manufacturer Bombardier to bring a new production line for Bombardier’s C Series passenger jets to Alabama. Aerospace has been an important contributor to Alabama’s economy for decades, and in recent years the state has emerged as a top location for companies that are global leaders in the industry, said Steve Sewell, executive vice president of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama. “In addition to major industry clusters in Huntsville and Mobile, we now have aviation and aerospace-related companies providing advanced manufacturing and engineering jobs in communities throughout the state,” he said. “One of Alabama’s great strengths in aerospace is the diversity of sectors that are represented here, including aircraft assembly, rocket propulsion, precision component manufacturing, missile defense and maintenance, repair and overhaul.” Sewell said the latest aerospace projects planned for Alabama will further cement the state’s legacy in the sector. “The recent investments and the continued growth and success of the aerospace industry have enhanced Alabama’s reputation as a state that can support the most advanced level of manufacturing,” he said. This story originally appeared on the Alabama Department of Commerce’s Made in Alabama website. Republished with permission from the Alabam NewsCenter.
Personnel note: Balch lobbyist Williams Stiers jumps to Maynard Cooper
After 20 years with Balch & Bingham, William Stiers has joined another Alabama firm, Maynard Cooper & Gale. The University of Alabama grad brings with him over 30 years of experience where has has helped shape public policy, legislation and regulations. Over the years he has established strong working relationships with decision-makers in the legislative and executive branches of the federal government. An expert in process, Stier’s reputation spans multiple industry sectors including national security, international affairs, aerospace, aviation, biotechnology, healthcare, financial services, manufacturing, construction, transportation and education. One client, Jeff Bezos‘ aerospace company, Blue Origin, made the jump to Maynard Cooper with him.
Blue Origin to invest $200M in Alabama rocket engine production facility
Blue Origin, the spaceflight company started by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, announced today that it will manufacture its BE-4 engine in a state-of-the-art production facility to be built in Alabama’s Rocket City. The new facility will be in Huntsville’s Cummings Research Park, the nation’s second-largest research park, and construction can begin once an engine production contract with United Launch Alliance (ULA) is awarded. The BE-4 is America’s next rocket engine and will power ULA’s Vulcan rocket if it’s selected for the project. The production of this engine would end the nation’s dependence on Russia for access to space for critical national security space systems. This rendering shows Blue Origin’s New Glenn reusable rocket. (Blue Origin) ‘Great state for aerospace’ Two BE-4s would be used on the Vulcan booster rocket. The BE-4 will also power Blue Origin’s New Glenn reusable launch system with seven BE-4s on the reusable first stage and a vacuum-optimized BE-4U on the second stage. Blue Origin awaits the final public approval of the local package by the city and county governments during July meetings. Using the latest design and manufacturing techniques, the BE-4 is made for both commercial and government missions. The BE-4 uses oxygen-rich staged combustion of liquid oxygen and liquefied natural gas to produce 550,000 pounds of thrust. Development began in 2011, and testing is under way. “Alabama is a great state for aerospace manufacturing and we are proud to produce America’s next rocket engine right here in Rocket City,” said Robert Meyerson, president of Blue Origin. “The area’s skilled workforce and leading role in rocket propulsion development make Huntsville the ideal location for our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility.” Blue Origin will employ up to 342 people in the new facility. The company will make approximately $200 million in capital investment in the state. “This announcement today is excellent news for our state. I am pleased to see Blue Origin investing in Alabama, and I look forward to working with them and other businesses to continue boosting economic development opportunities,” U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby said. Blue Origin will manufacture BE-4 rocket engines in Huntsville. (Blue Origin) Under the Saturn V The announcement took place at the historic Davidson Center for Space Exploration under the Saturn V rocket, a nod to the community’s aerospace heritage. Blue Origin’s project builds on that heritage and positions the Huntsville/Madison County community for a key role in the commercial space industry. “We are excited to welcome Blue Origin to Alabama. I must commend founder Jeff Bezos and company President Robert Meyerson for their vision to create this innovative company, and for choosing to make Alabama its Home Sweet Home,” Gov. Kay Ivey said. “Because of this investment, more men and women can provide a better living for their families, and it helps cement Alabama as the preferred destination for the aerospace industry,” she added. Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos at the company’s Texas launch facility. (Blue Origin) ‘Project Eagle’ Many economic development partners contributed to the effort to successfully recruit Blue Origin to the state as part of what was called “Project Eagle.” These partners include the Governor’s Office, the Alabama Department of Commerce, the Tennessee Valley Authority, the city of Huntsville, Madison County and the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber. “Blue Origin’s decision to locate its BE-4 engine manufacturing center in Huntsville reflects the deep and longstanding capabilities in the city that became the cradle of the nation’s rocket program,” said Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. “Huntsville is a hub of innovation in every facet of aerospace, making it the perfect home for this Blue Origin facility.” Blue Origin said it chose Huntsville for this project because of the high-tech aerospace manufacturing workforce and ecosystem, including NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, nearly 300 private aerospace and defense contractors, and the University of Alabama in Huntsville, number 14 in NASA research funding in the nation. “Huntsville is proud to be the nation’s propulsion center of excellence, and we couldn’t ask for a better partner than Blue Origin to join our team,” Mayor Tommy Battle said. “When you look at NASA’s visionary work at the Marshall Space Flight Center, the talent and capacity of Huntsville’s space industry partners, and our expertise in research and development, engineering and manufacturing, Blue Origin is joining a truly remarkable environment.” Added Madison County Commission Chairman Dale W. Strong, “Today’s announcement ensures that our community will continue to be at the center of the world’s rocket propulsion development. Jeff Bezos and Blue Origin will build on the legacy of the German rocket team and the Marshall Space Flight Center to power the growing commercial rocket business that will be a critical part of our nation’s future space program.” Blue Origin has completed more than 100 staged-combustion tests during the development of the BE-4 engine. (Blue Origin) ‘Center of excellence’ In support of Blue Origin, the city of Huntsville, city of Madison and Madison County have provided funding for their three school systems to launch an experiment on a Blue Origin rocket in summer 2018. The school systems will determine how to select teams, and then they will work with the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber and Dream Up, an organization that supports space-based learning, to design and develop their payload. “Blue Origin reinforces our region’s place as the Rocket City, and a center of excellence for rocket propulsion. Blue Origin’s presence will have a positive impact on our state, our region and our community,” said Chip Cherry, president and CEO of the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber. “This is an important development for Cummings Research Park’s next era of expansion, and we look forward to a long and productive relationship with Blue Origin.” This story originally appeared on the Alabama Department of Commerce’s Made in Alabama website. Republished with permission of Alabama NewsCenter.
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos plans Alabama rocket engine plant
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos‘ private spaceflight company, Blue Origin, is planning to build a new rocket engine in Huntsville, Ala. the company and state officials announced Monday. The new “Rocket City” facility will be in Cummings Research Park, the nation’s second-largest research park, and construction can begin pending an engine production contract with United Launch Alliance (UAL). Blue Origin President Robert Meyerson clarified, explaining his company is seeking the UAL contract, a private company that provides satellite launches for the U.S. government and others. He said the company will locate a production factory for the BE-4 rocket engine in Huntsville upon a contract being signed. “Alabama is a proven leader in aerospace manufacturing with the highest-skilled workforce, business climate and leadership that we need to produce low-cost rocket engines that we need to protect the nation, (and) explore the universe,” Meyerson said at a news conference in Huntsville. “Alabama is a great state for aerospace manufacturing and we are proud to produce America’s next rocket engine right here in Rocket City.” The BE-4 is America’s next rocket engine and, if selected, will power UAL’s Vulcan rocket. The production of this engine would end the nation’s dependence on Russia for access to space for critical national security space systems. Should the facility come to Huntsville, it will mean jobs up to 342 people along with approximately $200 million in capital investment in the state. “We are excited to welcome Blue Origin to Alabama. I must commend founder Jeff Bezos and company President Robert Meyerson for their vision to create this innovative company, and for choosing to make Alabama its home sweet home!,” said Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey. “Because of this investment, more Alabamians can provide a better living for their families, and it helps cement Alabama as the preferred destination for the aerospace industry.” Many economic development partners contributed to the effort to successfully recruit Blue Origin to the state. These partners include the Governor’s office, the Alabama Department of Commerce, the Tennessee Valley Authority, the City of Huntsville, Madison County, and the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber. “Blue Origin’s decision to locate its BE-4 engine manufacturing center in Huntsville reflects the deep and longstanding capabilities in the city that became the cradle of the nation’s rocket program,” said Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. “Huntsville is a hub of innovation in every facet of aerospace, making it the perfect home for this Blue Origin facility.” Blue Origin chose Huntsville for this project because of the high-tech aerospace manufacturing workforce and ecosystem, including NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, nearly 300 private aerospace and defense contractors, and the University of Alabama in Huntsville, number 14th in NASA research funding in the nation. “This announcement today is excellent news for our state. I am pleased to see Blue Origin investing in Alabama, and I look forward to working with them and other businesses to continue boosting economic development opportunities,” commended U.S. Senator Richard Shelby. The announcement took place at the historic Davidson Center for Space Exploration under the Saturn V rocket, a nod to the community’s aerospace heritage. Blue Origin builds on that aerospace heritage and positions the Huntsville/Madison County community in the commercial space industry. “Huntsville is proud to be the nation’s propulsion center of excellence, and we couldn’t ask for a better partner than Blue Origin to join our team. When you look at NASA’s visionary work at the Marshall Space Flight Center, the talent and capacity of Huntsville’s space industry partners, and our expertise in research and development, engineering, and manufacturing, Blue Origin is joining a truly remarkable environment,” said Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle. “Today’s announcement ensures that our community will continue to be at the center of the world’s rocket propulsion development. Jeff Bezos and Blue Origin will build on the legacy of the German rocket team and the Marshall Space Flight Center to power the growing commercial rocket business that will be a critical part of our nation’s future space program,” stated Madison County Commission Chairman Dale W. Strong. In support of Blue Origin, the City of Huntsville, City of Madison, and Madison County have provided funding for their three school systems to launch an experiment on a Blue Origin rocket in Summer 2018. The school systems will determine how to select teams, and then they will work with the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber and Dream Up, an organization that supports space-based learning, to design and develop their payload. “Blue Origin reinforces our regions’ place as the Rocket City, and a center of excellence for rocket propulsion. Blue Origin’s presence will have a positive impact on our State, our region and our community,” said Chip Cherry, President and CEO of the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber. “This is an important development for Cummings Research Park’s next era of expansion and we look forward to a long and productive relationship with Blue Origin.”
