US to expand space-based hardware and sensor system production with 130,000-sq-foot facility

The United States is set to witness expansion of advanced manufacturing capabilities of space-based hardware and sensor system. The production will take place at BAE Systems’ newly-purchased 130,000 square-foot facility in Weld County, Colorado.“We look forward to expanding our production capabilities in Colorado with our first facility in Weld County,” said Alexis Wang, vice president of operations for BAE Systems. “The support we received from the Weld County Commissioners and the State of Colorado played a key role in our ability to locate this essential production work for the company in Colorado, extending our manufacturing presence in the state.” Facility will enhance BAE Systems’ manufacturing capabilities The facility, located on approximately 13 acres, will enhance the company’s manufacturing capabilities to meet customer demand and business growth related to space-based hardware and sensor systems.“Weld County is excited to welcome and partner with BAE Systems as they establish a new production facility in Northern Colorado,” said Scott James, Chair of the Weld County Board of Commissioners. “Projects of this scale are transformational, not only because of the capital investment and high-quality employment they bring, but because they strengthen the entire industry ecosystem and create new opportunities for businesses, workers, and families across the region. This industry provides skilled high-paying jobs for both factory workers and engineers, and this represents a strong opportunity for economic growth and diversification.”The company revealed that it will hire more than 200 new employees to support production at the new Weld County facility over the next 12 to 24 months. At full capacity, the company estimates that the new facility could feature approximately 600 employees.BAE Systems plans to begin the retrofit process of the facility and procuring equipment throughout the rest of the year and anticipates opening the facility for production in early 2028, according to a press release.“Colorado continues to lead the nation in aerospace and advanced manufacturing, and we are thrilled to welcome BAE Systems’ expansion in Weld County,” said Colorado Gov. Jared Polis. “This investment will bring hundreds of good-paying jobs to Weld County and further solidify our state as a hub for cutting-edge technology and innovation.”The expansion is designed to meet growing demand for space-based hardware and sensor technologies, which are important components of modern aerospace, defense and space missions. By increasing its manufacturing capacity, the company aims to strengthen its ability to deliver advanced systems to customers.With facility upgrades and equipment procurement planned before production begins, BAE Systems is preparing for a phased expansion at the Weld County site. The anticipated early 2028 production start will mark the next stage of the company’s investment in Colorado.The project also reflects the increasing importance of reliable manufacturing capacity in industries that depend on sophisticated electronic, sensing and space-related technologies.The Weld County facility will complement BAE Systems’ existing production operations in Boulder, Broomfield and Westminster. The additional site will further strengthen the company’s manufacturing network in Colorado and provide additional capacity for its growing space and sensor systems business.