New Rocket Facility Means $200 million and 342 Jobs For Alabama

New 200,000 square feet facility to locate in Huntsville’s Cummings Research Park 

Blue Origin has announced plans to manufacture its BE-4 engine in Huntsville, a move that represents 342 jobs and a $200 million capital investment in Alabama’s economy.

The company’s new state-of-the art production facility will be built in Cummings Research Park, the country’s second-largest research park. The BE-4 is will power United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan rocket, which will end the nation’s dependence on Russia for access to space for critical national security space systems.

The important caveat to this announcement is that it’s contingent on Blue Origin obtaining the contract to build the engine for United Launch Alliance. Anticipating this contract, Blue Origin President, Robert Meyerson, said:

Alabama is a great state for aerospace manufacturing and we are proud to produce America’s next rocket engine right here in Rocket City. The area’s skilled workforce and leading role in rocket propulsion development make Huntsville the ideal location for our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility.

Obviously, Huntsville is attractive to companies like Blue Origin because of its significant aerospace presence that includes NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center and the University of Alabama in Huntsville, which ranks 14th in NASA research funding in the nation. As Alabama Secretary of Commerce Greg Canfield said:

Blue Origin’s decision to locate its BE-4 engine manufacturing center in Huntsville reflects the deep and longstanding capabilities in the city that became the cradle of the nation’s rocket program. Huntsville is a hub of innovation in every facet of aerospace, making it the perfect home for this Blue Origin facility.

Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle emphasized this point as well: “Huntsville is proud to be the nation’s propulsion center of excellence, and we couldn’t ask for a better partner than Blue Origin to join our team. When you look at NASA’s visionary work at the Marshall Space Flight Center, the talent and capacity of Huntsville’s space industry partners, and our expertise in research and development, engineering, and manufacturing, Blue Origin is joining a truly remarkable environment.”

Alabama’s senior Senator, Richard Shelby, also embraced the decision: “This announcement today is excellent news for our state. I am pleased to see Blue Origin investing in Alabama, and I look forward to working with them and other businesses to continue boosting economic development opportunities.” Alabama Governor Kay Ivey concurred: We are excited to welcome Blue Origin to Alabama. I must commend founder Jeff Bezos and company President Robert Meyerson for their vision to create this innovative company, and for choosing to make Alabama its home sweet home! Because of this investment, more Alabamians can provide a better living for their families, and it helps cement Alabama as the preferred destination for the aerospace industry.”

The Huntsville/Madison County Chamber press release notes that a host of entitles contributed to Blue Origin’s recruitment to the Yellowhammer state, including the Governor’s office, the Alabama Department of Commerce, the Tennessee Valley Authority, the City of Huntsville, Madison County, and the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber.

“Today’s announcement ensures that our community will continue to be at the center of the world’s rocket propulsion development. Jeff Bezos and Blue Origin will build on the legacy of the German rocket team and the Marshall Space Flight Center to power the growing commercial rocket business that will be a critical part of our nation’s future space program,” said Madison County Commission Chairman Dale W. Strong.

President and CEO of the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber, Chip Cherry concluded, “Blue Origin reinforces our regions’ place as the Rocket City, and a center of excellence for rocket propulsion.  Blue Origin’s presence will have a positive impact on our State, our region and our community.”