Intelligence

BAE SYSTEMS dedicates new software facility, doubling presence at Griffiss business park

18 May 2001

Ref: 071/2001

BAE Systems Mission Solutions today dedicated its new 18,000-square-feet software development facility at Griffiss Business and Technology Park in Rome, New York, U.S.A. The new facility more than doubles the company's presence at the park and represents a $6 million investment by BAE Systems, whose local work force of 90 is expected to grow by about 50 people over the next year.

The company's Rome facility develops and produces the Image Product Library (IPL), a software package developed for the U.S. National Imagery and Mapping Agency (NIMA). The package allows viewing and managing of satellite images and earth mappings.

"The completion of this expansion represents another milestone for our Northeast Engineering Development Centre team in Rome," said Dr. Marshall Banker, president of BAE Systems Mission Solutions, based in San Diego, California. "The local public and private support and talented labour pool have created this attractive business environment for BAE Systems. We are pleased to participate in the success of the Griffiss redevelopment effort and to be part of such a supportive business community."

BAE Systems' Rome operation has occupied a 14,000-square-feet building at Griffiss since 1997. Employment growth made it necessary to locate some employees in a remote facility at the former air base. In the summer of 2000, the company announced plans to totally renovate a building adjacent to its existing facility. BAE Systems today employs about 90 people in Rome and expects that number to reach 140 during 2002.

Mission Solutions employees and family members, elected officials, community leaders, NIMA representatives, and others attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the newly occupied building. Among those attending was U.S. Representative Sherwood Boehlert, whose district includes Rome and Oneida County.

"The Mohawk Valley has long been an important contributor to our nation's defences and Griffiss is a source of great pride for our area," Mr. Boehlert said. "The presence of BAE Systems at Griffiss is a case in point of not only pride, but progress. I am personally gratified to be here today to praise BAE Systems on its exciting new plans. It's clear that BAE Systems has effectively tapped into the talented professional resources available in the region and will be a contributor our continued economic growth."

The National Imagery and Mapping Agency, part of the U.S. Defence Department, provides accurate imagery, imagery intelligence, and geospatial information in support of military, national-level, and civil users. "IPL is, and will continue to be, a key component of our product strategy," said Gen. James King, NIMA director. "NIMA and BAE Systems can take pride in the service they provide to our armed forces in the field. Deployed at nearly 200 sites world-wide, it provides them effective access to the imagery products they need."