Area’s Advanced Security cluster grows with BAE Systems’ announcement of new jobs, expansion

BAE Systems announced today it will expand its North Charleston operations to accommodate a growing electronics engineering program. The global aerospace, security, and defense contractor began its area operations in the 1970s and has since grown to employ more than 400 people locally.

BAE Systems, Inc., headquartered in Rockville, Md., plans to consolidate its three area facilities into one 74,000-square-foot facility located in North Charleston’s Aviation Business Park. This project represents an investment of $4.5 million and will create approximately 75 new jobs in 2009 and up to 100 additional jobs in 2010—with a salary range of between $50,000 and $85,000.
“We’re in the business of simplifying complicated systems and programs,” said Richard Anderson, Vice President and General Manager of BAE Systems’ Integrated Technical Solutions division. “That requires extremely skilled, knowledgeable workers.”

In the 1970s, BAE Systems’ local Charleston-based business primarily focused on the fabrication of shipboard simulators, access control security systems, and other classified electronic systems for the U.S. Navy. Today, the operation designs, integrates and sustains classified electronic systems, physical and electronic security systems, automated fuel handling equipment, and communications and IT networks for several clients on multiple land-, air-, and sea-based platforms. Its leading customers include nearby Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Atlantic (SPAWAR), the Internal Revenue Service, the Federal Aviation Administration, the Department of Homeland Security, and other Federal organizations.

Kris Busch, Vice President of the BAE Systems Charleston-based operation, noted that the company’s location in the region has been key to its long-term success. “We have a long history here, and much of that is due to the caliber of the workforce we’ve been able to attract. Charleston’s famed quality of life is a real magnet in terms of employee recruitment and retention.”
This competitive expansion project was facilitated by the Charleston Regional Development Alliance (CRDA), in partnership with numerous public- and private-sector allies including the S.C. Department of Commerce, the City of North Charleston and Charleston County. The CRDA is an economic development organization working to advance the economy within the three-county Charleston region.

CRDA Chairman Mitchell Bohannon welcomed the news. “Not only is BAE Systems providing high quality jobs,” he said, “the company also falls within one of the five target clusters the CRDA works so diligently to grow. We remain focused and determined to bring superior opportunities to the region, and this expansion aligns perfectly with that objective.”

North Charleston Mayor, Keith Summey, echoed Bohannon. “BAE Systems has been a stellar corporate citizen, highly involved in local business and charitable organizations in North Charleston and throughout the region. We welcome their renewed commitment to doing business here, and are especially energized by the high-caliber, high-paying jobs they are adding to our community.”

“Our heartiest congratulations go out to BAE Systems on the occasion of this great facility expansion,” said Teddie E. Pryor, Sr., Chairman of the Charleston County Council. “This decision to add more skilled, high-paying jobs at the North Charleston facility, especially amidst this recession, is a ringing endorsement of our local workforce and a compliment to our community of the highest order. BAE Systems performs incredibly important work for SPAWAR, among others, in support of our national and homeland defense missions. The citizens and government of Charleston County are gratified to be partners in this mission.”

“BAE Systems has been an important part of our state’s business community for more than three decades here in the Charleston and Aiken areas, and today’s announcement reaffirms their commitment to South Carolina and the Charleston area, bringing with it many high-paying engineering and advanced technology jobs,” said Joe Taylor, South Carolina Secretary of Commerce. “BAE Systems’ growth in South Carolina also serves as an indication that our business-friendly climate and highly skilled workforce are working to encourage growth among existing businesses. Thanks to the team effort by state and local officials, Charleston County will benefit from this investment now and in the future.”

Those interested in applying for the new positions at BAE Systems are asked to apply online through the company website: baesystems.com/Careers.

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About BAE Systems
BAE Systems is the premier global defense, security and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. With approximately 105,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems’ sales exceeded £18.5 billion (US $34.4 billion) in 2008. www.baesystems.com.

About the Charleston Regional Development Alliance
The Charleston Regional Development Alliance works in Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties to develop a resilient, globally competitive regional economy. The CRDA leads a global marketing effort to retain and attract world-class business and talent, and to facilitate new, high-value business investment within the three-county area. The CRDA also partners with other organizations to drive a sustainable regional development effort. To learn more, go to www.charlestoneconomicdevelopment.com.

Media Contacts:
BAE Systems
Neil Franz
[email protected]
Office: 301-838-6112
Mobile: 240-687-0127

Charleston Regional Development Alliance
Virginia Perry
[email protected]
Direct: 843.760.4522