BAE Systems has officially opened a new innovation facility in Maple Grove, Minnesota, designed to bolster U.S. and allied defense initiatives. The expansive 247,000-square-foot site will be home to a variety of specialized labs dedicated to advanced engineering disciplines such as digital engineering, modeling and simulation, product development, and systems integration.
The facility is equipped with a collaborative product design space where BAE’s in-house experts can work alongside customers and suppliers on various projects. Additionally, it features a full-service prototyping lab that includes multiple bays specifically intended for testing and developing future defense systems.
In tandem with advancing new technology, the center will play a vital role in supporting ongoing military projects. This includes efforts related to naval guns, launch systems, modern warheads, submarine components, and tactical vehicles, all of which are critical to contemporary defense operations.
Construction of the Maple Grove facility commenced in April 2024, a collaboration between BAE Systems and the Minnetonka-based Opus Group, and reached completion in August 2025. This site not only signifies the company’s growth but also maintains its longstanding relationship with Minnesota, a connection that dates back to the 1940s when BAE’s Fridley plant produced naval guns for the U.S. Navy during World War II.
The new hub aligns with BAE Systems’ commitment to harnessing the skilled workforce in Minnesota. Jamie Hoyt, Senior Director of Engineering at BAE Systems, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Our new facility in Minneapolis demonstrates BAE Systems’ commitment to strengthening our engineering workforce and developing products that protect men and women in uniform.” Hoyt further noted that this state-of-the-art engineering center will serve as a focal point for collaboration and innovation, empowering the workforce to create products essential to national defense.
