WAIMEA — In what could be seen as a step in diversifying Kaua‘i’s economy through high-tech defense contractors, Northrop Grumman-XonTech, Inc. leaders “officially” moved into their office space recently at the West Kauai Technology & Visitors Center, Phase II, in
WAIMEA — In what could be seen as a step in diversifying Kaua‘i’s economy through high-tech defense contractors, Northrop Grumman-XonTech, Inc. leaders “officially” moved into their office space recently at the West Kauai Technology & Visitors Center, Phase II, in Waimea.
Company officials, workers and PMRF (Pacific Missile Range Facility) employees were on hand to witness the blessing of the building and attend a reception.
According to Larry Osborn, corporate lead executive, this is Northrop Grumman’s first foray into Kaua‘i. The company already has presences on O‘ahu and Maui, he said.
He said the primary purpose of the company’s presence on Kaua‘i is to provide support for PMRF at Barking Sands, near Kekaha. Company leaders offer missile-defense systems and other military components.
PMRF is the world’s largest instrumented, multi-environment range capable of supporting surface, subsurface, air, and space operations simultaneously.
“The range has growth opportunities,” Osborn said. “There’s a real future here.” Osborn said there were definite advantages in having the company in close proximity to PMRF, rather than assisting from thousands of miles away.
The opening of the office created six jobs, five that went to Hawai‘i residents. Northrop Grumman leaders are tenants of officials with the Kauai Economic Development Board, who developed the complex.
Office Manager Alan Kessler said the move was more than 18 months in the making.
“I hope our presence will encourage the development of technology on Kaua‘i,” he said. Company officials said they planned a local outreach program that could include a number of initiatives, such as adopting a school, or other ways in which high-tech awareness might be shared with the community.
Mayor Bryan J. Baptiste said economic diversity is needed.
“If we want to create diversity and create a higher quality of life for our children, then we must bring in industry (that is clean) and can offer more economic opportunity. I think an influx of high-tech industry can (eventually) offer a higher quality of life,” he said.
Northrop Grumman Corporation, with estimated 2003 revenues of over $25 billion, is the nation’s second-largest defense contractor, according to information from the company’s Web site.
Northrop Grumman leaders provide technologically-advanced, innovative products, services and solutions in systems integration, defense electronics, information technology, advanced aircraft, shipbuilding and space technology, a company spokesperson said.
With approximately 120,000 employees and operations in all 50 states and 25 countries, Northrop Grumman leaders serve U.S. and international military, government and commercial customers.
Northrop Grumman is a member of the Fortune 500, the Forbes 100, and one of Business Week’s Top Performing 50 Large Companies in America.