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Space, defense company expands footprint in MS. It will add nearly 100 jobs. See where

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Space, defense company expands footprint in MS. It will add nearly 100 jobs. See where

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After dozens of major economic development victories, including the $2.5 billion announcement for Aluminum Dynamics to build an aluminum flat roll mill, Joe Max Higgins, CEO of Golden Triangle Development Link, has no intention of taking his foot off the gas pedal.

The latest victory was announced Tuesday when Stark Aerospace Inc. in Columbus announced it is expanding in Lowndes County to support a new contract with the U.S. Navy. The project will create at least 96 new jobs.

“This contract is a huge win for Stark Aerospace and the Golden Triangle. It brings quality jobs, strengthens our economy and highlights the world-class manufacturing happening right here in Mississippi,” Higgins said. “We’re proud to support Stark as they contribute to our national defense and regional growth.” 

The expansion is part of a project that was recently awarded. The $61.454 million contract by the U.S. Navy for missile canister production in support of the Mark 41 Vertical Launching System, an on-board missile canister launching system. The contract includes additional options that, if exercised, can increase the cumulative value of the contract to $312.8 million.

Mississippi Development Authority is providing assistance for infrastructure improvements. The agency also is providing assistance through the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive, or MFLEX, program.

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Construction is slated to be complete within the next year with new jobs being filled immediately.

“For nearly two decades, Stark Aerospace has been a cornerstone of Mississippi’s aerospace and defense industry, renowned globally for its innovative contributions to national security and the security of our allies,” Mississippi Development Authority Executive Director Bill Cork said in a statement. “The Mississippi Development Authority is proud to support Stark Aerospace as it embarks on this significant contract with the U.S. Navy, creating nearly 100 new jobs for the talented workforce of the Golden Triangle.”

All of this excitement in the Columbus area comes after a March announcement that California–Airbus is to establish a final assembly line for the company’s H145 twin-engine light helicopter in Mississippi. The new line will be located at Airbus’ facility in Columbus and will be capable of delivering 16 helicopters a year in 2025.

“We are honored and excited to have been selected for this important project,” said David Alabed, Stark Aerospace Inc. president and CEO. “This contract not only reflects our team’s hard work and dedication but also underscores our capability to deliver high-quality products that meet the rigorous standards of our U.S. Military and the warfighters. We look forward to working closely with the U.S. Navy and contributing to the success of this vital initiative.”

Ross Reily is a writer for the Clarion Ledger, part of the USA TODAY Network. He can be reached at rreily@gannett.com or 601-573-2952. You can follow him on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter @GreenOkra1.

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