BAE Systems Breaks Ground at New Fort Wayne Location

Fort Wayne, Ind. – BAE Systems, a global company engaged in the development, delivery and support of advanced defense, security and aerospace systems, held a groundbreaking today at its new Fort Wayne site located near the Fort Wayne International Airport on the corner of Ardmore Avenue and Airport Expressway.

BAE Systems is currently located on Taylor Street in a building that was constructed in 1942. At this location BAE Systems engineers, repairs, manufactures, and distributes parts for the aeronautical industry. The company will retain over 1,000 jobs at its new location which plans to be a $39 million state-of-the-art engineering and production facility. This proposed building will be approximately 355,000 square feet.

“Today’s event demonstrates the unprecedented positive momentum we’re seeing in the City of Fort Wayne,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “We appreciate the commitment by BAE to invest in our community. Job growth, job retention, economic development opportunities, and quality of life are the key components that make our City a leader in attracting and retaining jobs and businesses.”

Representatives at Greater Fort Wayne Inc., along with the City of Fort Wayne, the Capital Improvement Board, and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation worked with BAE Systems to provide a competitive incentive package to keep the company in the community. BAE Systems considered alternative locations, but ultimately chose to remain in Fort Wayne.

“Aerospace innovations are skyrocketing to new heights, powered by Hoosier-built systems at BAE. In turn, these Hoosier systems are powering our troops with advanced technology, as well as supporting the commercial aircraft dotting our skies today,” said Eric Doden, president of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. “As masters of manufacturing, Hoosiers’ expertise and dedication help companies like BAE achieve their goals. With a business climate built for growth, Indiana stands out as a state that works.”

The Fort Wayne City Council approved the tax abatement application and the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission approved the use of TIF Funds to support BAE’s relocation in December of 2013. The Allen County Capital Improvement Board is also contributing to keeping BAE in the greater Fort Wayne community and approved funds for this project in November 2013.