Aerojet Rocketdyne to Expand Plant in Calhoun County, Add 85 Workers

Aerojet Rocketdyne, a GenCorp. (NYSE: GY) company based in Sacramento, said Monday that it will expand its operation in the Highland Industrial Park in East Camden, adding 85 jobs to bring total employment there to more than 630.

The move comes after Gov. Asa Hutchinson met with company officials last week at the Paris Air Show, according to a news release from the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. AEDC said the expansion plans were discussed and finalized during the meeting. 

Aerojet Rocketdyne makes solid rocket motors and warheads for the defense industry at a 1,200-acre facility in the industrial park. It said it plans to invest $18 million in new buildings, upgrades and new equipment.

“During our time in Paris, I had the opportunity to meet with the several Aerojet Rocketdyne leaders,” Hutchinson said in the news release. “The company expressed confidence in the state’s overall business climate and southern Arkansas’ workforce. Thanks to Aerojet Rocketdyne for their ongoing commitment to doing business in Arkansas.”

The company will receive an incentive package through the Arkansas Economic Development Commission that includes: 

• $250,000 from the Governor’s Quick Action Closing Fund for infrastructure related to the expansion;
• Cash rebate of 4.5 percent of payroll associated with the new jobs for six years;
• Sales tax credit based on investment in the expansion;
• Job training assistance if needed.