Northrop Grumman Corporation to Locate in Auburn

Auburn, Ala. - City of Auburn and Auburn University officials have received confirmation that Northrop Grumman Corporation will locate one of their new National Work Force Centers in Auburn. Northrop Grumman's web site states that the "National Work Force Center is part of a new initiative by the company to provide high-quality, cost-effective technology centers within the United States as an alternative to off-shoring. As an American company performing national security work, Northrop Grumman has made it a priority to develop an alternative to the off-shoring business model. This unique solution - National Work Force Centers - is the first of its kind in the industry. Northrop Grumman Corporation is a $30 billion global defense and technology company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in information and services, electronics, aerospace and shipbuilding to government and commercial customers worldwide."

Northrop Grumman will make its permanent home in the new Auburn Research Park, a 156-acre park located at the southern entrance of the Auburn University campus. Auburn University President Jay Gogue commented, "Northrop Grumman is a home run for the Auburn Research Park. Its commitment demonstrates the potential the Park holds for fueling economic growth in the state and academic and entrepreneurial opportunities for Auburn faculty and students."

Jimmy Sanford, Chair of the Auburn Research and Technology Foundation, noted "The Auburn Research Park will provide a place for faculty and students to join with businesses to pursue ideas and transfer them into usable products and services. Northrop Grumman is the right fit to begin establishing the characteristics of our world class facility."

In commenting on the announcement, Mayor Bill Ham, Jr. said, "The location of Northrop Grumman Corporation is the culmination of a collaborative effort between Auburn University, the State of Alabama, and the City of Auburn and its Industrial Development Board to attract research and high technology companies to Auburn. We are pleased to have a corporate name like Northrop Grumman associated with the City of Auburn." Mayor Ham went on to say, "This announcement is the very reason City officials knew that it was imperative the City play a role in the development of the Auburn Research Park."

"For many years, the highly successful partnership between the Industrial Development Board and Auburn University has allowed the City of Auburn to recruit technology based, value added manufacturers. That same partnership has now resulted in the development of the Auburn Research Park and the recruitment of Northrop Grumman Corporation, an outstanding research based company. We welcome Northrop Grumman to our City and the Research Park," said Dr. Paul Parks, Chairman of the City's Industrial Development Board.

Governor Bob Riley and State Representative Mike Hubbard played an integral role in securing the State of Alabama's $10 million commitment to the Auburn Research Park. Commenting on the announcement of Northrop Grumman, Representative Hubbard said, "We are excited to see that the Auburn Research Park, a project supported by Governor Bob Riley and the State of Alabama, is experiencing the first of many future successes with the announcement of Northrop Grumman Corporation as its first tenant. Without question, the Auburn Research Park will be a catalyst for the continued economic growth and prosperity for Auburn, Opelika, and Lee County residents."

Northrop Grumman is currently looking for personnel to staff their new Auburn location. Temporary offices will be located in the City of Auburn's business incubator, the Auburn Center for Developing Industries on Pumphrey Avenue. For more information on Northrop Grumman Corporation, please contact Juli Ballesteros, Media Relations Manager for Northrop Grumman, at (703) 556-2736.