Saab announces plans for a new munitions facility

DeWITT, N.Y. — Saab, which operates local facilities in DeWitt, on Tuesday said it will build a new advanced–manufacturing facility and center of innovation for weapon systems to “enhance U.S. munitions production capacity and strengthen the global supply chain.”

The firm’s announcement also said that final U.S. site selection and groundbreaking is planned for later this year, with production underway by 2026.

When asked if a Central New York location is under consideration, a Saab spokesperson tells CNYBJ in an email that the company is considering six sites but couldn’t comment beyond that. A decision will happen “in the coming weeks.”

Saab sees the upcoming munitions facility as “continuing the company’s strong investment and growth domestically.”

The new site will support the engineering and production of missile weapon systems for the U.S. military, such as components for the ground-launched small diameter bomb (GLSDB) system, and close–combat weapons.

“Saab is growing its business in the United States and delivering on our promise to increase and modernize domestic production of our close combat and missile weapon systems, which will extend our defense capabilities and ensure the safety and security of military personnel around the globe,” Erik Smith, president and CEO of Saab in the U.S., said in the company announcement “We are moving quickly to meet the urgent needs of our customers, building on our decades-long relationship with the U.S. armed forces. With capacity for advanced manufacturing and engineering, this new site will be a world-class asset to the American industrial base.”

Saab received a mention in the State of the County address that Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon delivered on March 14.

In his remarks, McMahon noted that the county is selling the film hub in DeWitt to Saab. The film hub is located at 24 Aspen Park Drive in DeWitt.

“This multi-million investment from Saab further solidifies Onondaga County as the leader in high-tech manufacturing as Saab expands its footprint here,” McMahon said in his address. “There will be more to come on this project at a later date.”

About Saab

Headquartered in Sweden, Saab has major operations all over the world and is “part of the domestic defense capability of several nations,” as described in its announcement. Based in DeWitt, Saab, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary, delivering advanced technology and systems, supporting the U.S. armed forces and the Federal Aviation Administration, as well as international and commercial partners.

Saab Inc. has business units and local employees in nine U.S. locations.

Saab acquired DeWitt–based Sensis Corp. in 2011 and split the corporation into two units — Saab Defense and Security on Enterprise Parkway and the Saab Sensis air-traffic management unit at 85 Collamer Crossing Pkwy. It now operates as one company: Saab, Inc.