Purchase of 130,000 SF facility will expand capacity for space-based hardware and sensor system production

WELD COUNTY – Today, Governor Polis, Lt. Governor Primavera, and the Global Business Development Division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) announced that aerospace, defense and security company BAE Systems will expand in Colorado. BAE Systems develops and supports advanced military, space and intelligence technologies for government customers worldwide and announced today that it has closed on the purchase of a 130,000 square-foot production facility in Weld County.

"Colorado leads the nation in aerospace and advanced manufacturing, and we are thrilled to welcome BAE Systems' expansion in Weld County. This investment will bring hundreds of good-paying jobs to Weld County and further solidify our state as a hub for cutting-edge technology and innovation," said Gov. Polis.

"BAE Systems' expansion into Weld County is another achievement for Colorado's world-class aerospace ecosystem. We are excited to continue our collaboration with BAE Systems and our Aerospace ecosystem to create hundreds of good-paying jobs for Coloradans," said Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera.

The building, located on approximately 13 acres in Weld County, will enhance the company's manufacturing capabilities to meet customer demand and business growth related to space-based hardware and sensor systems.

"We look forward to expanding our production capabilities in Colorado with our first facility in Weld County," said Alexis Wang, vice president of Operations for BAE Systems. "The support we received from the Weld County Commissioners and the State of Colorado played a key role in our ability to locate this essential production work for the company in Colorado, extending our manufacturing presence in the state."

BAE Systems expects to hire more than 200 new employees to support production at the new Weld County facility over the next 12 to 24 months. At full capacity, the company estimates that the new facility could provide approximately 600 new jobs. The positions will include manufacturing technicians, manufacturing engineers, machinists, manufacturing planners, production supervisors, and supply chain planners.

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"We are thrilled with another great win for Colorado's aerospace and defense industry with BAE Systems' expansion in Weld County. BAE's growth in Colorado is a testament to Colorado's highly skilled workforce and collaborative approach to economic development. By partnering with innovative companies to support jobs and talent, we are helping to create hundreds of high-paying careers while driving long-term economic growth across the state," said OEDIT Executive Director Eve Lieberman.

To support the company's expansion in Colorado, the Colorado Economic Development Commission approved up to $11,184,835 in a performance-based Job Growth Incentive Tax Credit for the company over an eight-year period. The EDC also approved CHIPS Refundable Tax Credits for the company, which may elect to receive up to $8.6 million of its earned incentives as refundable at 80% of their value. These incentives are contingent upon BAE Systems, referred to as Project Mercury and Project Sodium throughout the OEDIT review process, meeting net new job creation and salary requirements.

To ensure Coloradans are trained for BAE's good-paying jobs, the Opportunity Now Tax Credit (ONTC) will support the purchase of $5.3 million in equipment with a refundable tax credit that covers 50% of the cost. Through on-the-job training, this investment is projected to help train and retain 16,978 jobs over the next 15 years. Additionally, ONTC will support on-the-job training and coordination with external trainers to adapt training as technical skills shift over the 15 year period, growing the skills of Coloradans while continuing to meet the company's needs.

"I'm very proud to have played a role in bringing BAE Systems production facilities to Weld County," said Scott James, Weld County District 2 Commissioner. "This industry provides skilled high-paying jobs for both factory workers and engineers, and this represents a strong opportunity for economic growth and diversification."

BAE Systems plans to begin the retrofit process of the Weld County facility and procure equipment throughout the rest of the year and anticipates opening the facility for production in early-2028.

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"We're thrilled to see BAE Systems choose Weld County for its next chapter of growth in Colorado. This investment in space-based hardware and sensor production further strengthens the region's position as one of the nation's leading aerospace hubs, and it will bring hundreds of high-quality careers to our communities for years to come. Projects like this happen because state, regional and local partners work as one team. We look forward to supporting BAE Systems as it grows here," said Raymond H. Gonzales, President of the Metro Denver EDC.

In addition to Colorado, BAE Systems considered Ohio and Texas for expansion. The addition of the Weld County facility expands BAE Systems' presence in Colorado, with nearby production facilities in Boulder, Broomfield and Westminster. The company currently has over 41,000 employees, nearly 5,000 of whom are in Colorado.

About OEDIT's Global Business Development Division
Global Business Development (GBD) is a division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade. GBD supports Colorado businesses and communities by using a data-driven approach to recruit, support, and retain businesses that contribute to a robust and diversified economy. We align our portfolio of programs, services, and incentives with industries that benefit Colorado companies and elevate the state's national and international competitiveness. GBD also hosts foreign delegations and participates in trade and investment missions around the world to strengthen global awareness of Colorado. With a highly educated and motivated workforce, a thriving innovation economy, and nation-leading entrepreneurial spirit, Colorado is a top market for business development.

About the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade

The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) works to empower all to thrive in Colorado's economy. Under the leadership of the Governor and in collaboration with economic development partners across the state, we foster a thriving business environment through funding and financial programs, training, consulting and informational resources across industries and regions. We promote economic growth and long-term job creation by recruiting, retaining, and expanding Colorado businesses and providing programs that support entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes at every stage of growth. Our goal is to protect what makes our state a great place to live, work, start a business, raise a family, visit and retire—and make it accessible to everyone. Learn more about OEDIT.

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