For Randy Stevenson, Raytheon's Weapon Integration Center's designation as one of the Manufacturers of the Year is more than just an award. It is also proof that all the hard work that went into the Redstone Arsenal facility is paying off.
"It's a validation of what we spent the last six to eight years working to do with our missile integration facility. It's also a validation of the time, labor and money that we've put into developing a state-of-the-art facility," said Stevenson, Weapon Integration Center director.
The Business Council of Alabama and the Alabama Technology Network named Raytheon Redstone Missile Integration Facility as the state's top manufacturer in the medium category, classified as those with between 100 to 399 employees. Winner in the large category was North American Lighting of Muscle Shoals. Winner in the small category was Watring Technologies Inc. of Huntsville.
The awards program recognizes Alabama's manufacturing enterprises that exhibit excellence in leadership, performance, profitability, and workforce relations.
Redstone facility
Raytheon opened its missile integration facility in 2012 for production of the Standard Missile-3 and SM-6. The 50,000-square foot facility is home to about 50 employees, with more than 225 working in other Huntsville locations to support the work. At its inception, plant designers aimed to take advantage of the best in modern technology from other manufacturers to create a new type of missile production facility.
Raytheon designed the factory from scratch with the latest robotics and computer-controlled tools,
"When we started building the factor of the future, we looked at the world's best technology from different factories that we utilized," Stevenson said. "That has paid off."
The result was a factory that utilizes the latest robotics and computer-controlled tools but also relies on a steady stream of input from its employees. Since its opening, the facility has met its production goals and has expanded to accommodate growth. Stevenson said a great deal of success comes from its location.
"We had the state of Alabama, city of Huntsville and Redstone Arsenal partnerships that truly made the difference," he said.
The award was presented to Raytheon last week during ceremonies held in Montgomery.
William Canary, President of the CEO said Raytheon and the other award winners were selected for the positive impact they have on their communities.
"Now in its 16th year, the Business Council of Alabama and the Alabama Technology Network are honored to salute Alabama's best manufacturers for their valuable participation in not only the state's economy but also the economies of their employees and the suppliers who do business with them," he said.