Northrop Grumman has broken ground on a new facility at its Roy Innovation Center (RIC) in Utah, expanding its infrastructure to support the US Air Force’s Sentinel Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) programme while reinforcing long-term aerospace manufacturing, engineering and sustainment capabilities.
The new Legacy Building, scheduled for completion in 2028, will become the sixth facility on the Roy Innovation Center campus, increasing the site’s footprint to more than 1.1 million square feet of office and engineering space. The expansion is expected to create hundreds of high-skilled jobs while supporting the development and lifecycle sustainment of multiple national defence programmes.
Designed as the central hub for the Sentinel programme, the Roy Innovation Center also supports a range of advanced aerospace and defence missions. Northrop Grumman said the investment reflects its continued commitment to strengthening the US defence industrial base through modern infrastructure, digital engineering capabilities and workforce expansion.
The facility’s location near Hill Air Force Base is expected to enhance collaboration with the US Air Force and accelerate programme execution through closer integration between government and industry teams.
Over the past five years, Northrop Grumman has invested $13.5 billion in infrastructure and research and development across its operations, including $2 billion dedicated to expanding solid rocket motor manufacturing capacity. These investments are intended to increase production resilience, strengthen supply chains and support the long-term sustainment requirements of strategic defence programmes.
“As Utah’s largest aerospace and defence employer, Northrop Grumman continues to play a vital role in advancing aerospace innovation, strengthening advanced manufacturing and creating high-quality jobs,” said Utah Governor Spencer Cox, highlighting the company’s contribution to the state’s economy and national security.
Ben Davies, Corporate Vice President and President of Northrop Grumman Defense Systems, said Utah’s skilled workforce, proximity to Hill Air Force Base and strong industry ecosystem make it an ideal location for expanding the company’s defence programmes. He noted that the new facility underscores Northrop Grumman’s long-term investment in both national security and regional economic development.
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Northrop Grumman currently employs more than 11,000 people in Utah, supporting a broad portfolio of aerospace, defence and sustainment programmes. According to the company, its operations contribute to more than 46,000 jobs statewide and generate over US$12.4 billion in economic impact.
The latest expansion reinforces an industry-wide trend of increasing investment in digital engineering, advanced manufacturing and skilled workforce development as aerospace and defence companies prepare to meet growing long-term sustainment and mission readiness requirements.
