Expanding on its already major presence in North Texas, Raytheon announced today that it’s building a new 200,000-square-foot advanced manufacturing facility at its Space and Airborne Systems headquarters in McKinney.

Raytheon already is McKinney’s top employer with more than 3,000 employees, and with the new facility, an additional 500 high-tech jobs will be supported. Construction is expected to be completed in 2020.

“This is an investment in the talented McKinney workforce,” Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems President Roy Azevedo told community leaders and guests who attended the announcement. “It shows we are serious about our presence in Texas and that we are here to stay.”

The building will include 130,000 square feet of manufacturing and test operations space and 50,000 square feet of office and support areas. KDC is the general contractor on the project, and the architect is Corgan.

Community and industry leaders heard Roy Azevedo discuss the new facility at Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems in McKinney. [Photo: Lance Murray]

Raytheon has major economic impact on North Texas and beyond

Last year, Raytheon employed more than 8,000 people statewide. And, according to research from the University of North Texas Economic Research Group, supply chain activity and employee spending supported an additional 10,000 jobs across the state. It also showed that Raytheon’s business operations in North Texas contributed $4.8 billion to the Texas economy.

“I was in Israel last week, and I was seeing firsthand the work that this company does to keep those people safe. They’re keeping our country safe. They’re keeping our world safe,” U.S. Rep. Van Taylor—who’s also a military veteran—told those in attendance, lauding the company’s critical role in defense and security.

The new facility in McKinney will bring 500 high-tech jobs to the city. [Rendering: Courtesy Raytheon]

Raytheon’s newest facility in McKinney will focus on intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems, including electro-optical manufacturing and the production of high-energy laser systems.

“This new building is our decision to continue growing in McKinney, and it reflects the work you’re doing to make our community a place where people want to live,” Azevedo said. “And, I hope you take as much pride in this facility as we do here.”

Raytheon plays an important role in national defense and security, a mission reflected on a wall at the McKinney headquarters of Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems. [Photo: Lance Murray]

Raytheon also has facilities in Dallas, Richardson, Plano, Carrollton, Fort Worth, and Greenville. Acevedo said being a part of the local community is important to the company.

“There is no better time to be working together to make the world a safe place, and to make our community a place where people want to live and work,” Acevedo said.