ULA eyes more Vulcan launches after expansion of Alabama rocket factory
DECATUR, Alabama — United Launch Alliance (ULA) is preparing for a busy schedule of rocket launches after completing of a $300 million-plus expansion project that made its Alabama rocket factory the largest facility of its kind in the world.
The growth in Decatur will allow ULA to nearly double it launch rate.
“We are grateful for the partnerships that we’ve had for many years to allow this kind of growth and allow us to keep going here,” said John Elbon, chief operating officer of at ULA. “We will be continuing to support our U.S. Space Force customer, as well as our commercial customer Amazon, which signed the largest commercial contract that’s ever been awarded for 38 launches on our new Vulcan rocket.
“We’ll be launching their Kuiper Constellation, and these facilities are a big part of making all that happen,” Elbon added.
In February, ULA cut the ribbon on a new warehouse facility and expansion at the Decatur rocket facility. The growth project is playing a key role in North Alabama’s growing economy by creating 200 additional jobs at the facility.
“ULA continues to thrive and grow in Decatur, Morgan County,” said Jeremy Nails, president and CEO of the Morgan County Economic Development Association. “Their recent investment of $317 million in new facilities to support the increase in the new Vulcan rocket production solidifies their presence and commitment to our community and the State of Alabama.
“We are proud to have the most reliable launch vehicle manufacturer located in Decatur, Morgan County,” added Nails, who is attending this week’s 2024 Farnborough International Airshow as a member of an Alabama delegation.
The expansion increases ULA’s Alabama facility from 1.9 million square feet to 2.4 million square feet — making it the largest rocket plant in the world, according to the company.
Exerpt from Made in Alabama article by Jerry Underwood