Northrop Grumman plans to add 175 new jobs over the next five years at its Elkton rocket motor operations.
This operating sector of the company, which was known as Orbital ATK before it was purchased by Northrop Grumman Corp. last year, currently operates in Elkton where it employs 400 workers. The site, which has been under various owners in its seven-decade history, has also been known as Thiokol.
Employees conduct final assembly of a STAR™ Motor. In August, a STAR 48BV solid propellant rocket motor, designed & built at #NorthropGrumman’s Elkton, MD site, was part of the 3rd stage that propelled @NASA’s #ParkerSolarProbe on its mission to touch the sun. #MFGDay18 @MfgDay pic.twitter.com/3PfyqYcgcA
— Northrop Grumman (@northropgrumman) October 3, 2018
“Our team in Elkton has delivered rocket motors for space launch and military applications for 70 years,” said Mike Kahn, vice president and general manager, Northrop Grumman. “We are extremely pleased that the state of Maryland will be supporting investments in both infrastructure and in our workforce. Our continued partnership with both the state and county will ensure that the Elkton operation will continue to provide innovative technology to NASA and the Department of Defense for many years to come.”
Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems’ main products include launch vehicles and related propulsion systems; missile products, subsystems and defense electronics; precision weapons, armament systems and ammunition; satellites and associated space components and services; and advanced aerospace structures.
To assist with project costs, the Maryland Department of Commerce has approved an $800,000 conditional loan through Advantage Maryland, formerly the Maryland Economic Development Assistance Authority and Fund (MEDAAF). Maryland Commerce is also providing a $200,000 training grant through the Partnership for Workforce Quality (PWQ) program.
Cecil County is providing an $80,000 conditional loan to help the company complete the project. The company is also eligible for state tax credits including the Job Creation Tax Credit and the More Jobs for Marylanders Program.
“It is a great win for Maryland and Cecil County that Northrop Grumman is continuing to grow their operations here,” said Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan. “Our administration has been focused on growing manufacturing in Maryland and this expansion and others like it is further proof that programs like More Jobs for Marylanders are really making a difference in strengthening our economy.”
“Northrop Grumman’s Elkton plant had its first rocket engine test-fire more than 70 years ago,” said County Executive Alan McCarthy. “Cecil County has long benefitted from this manufacturing plant and the many jobs it provides, and we look forward to a continued strong partnership with the company to ensure their success and growth in the future.”
