Willmeng Construction Inc., a Phoenix-based commercial general contractor, hosted the ribbon cutting ceremony on Nov. 12, launching the opening of a 633,000-square-foot build-to-suit campus for Northrop Grumman, which will serve as the home for their launch vehicles business. This office and manufacturing facility which supports national defense and aerospace, was developed by the Douglas Allred Company, San Diego, Calif., within their 180-acre Park Place Business Park in Chandler, Ariz.
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey, along with a long list of state and city elected officials, and top executives from Northrop Grumman, Douglas Allred Company and Willmeng Construction discussed the impact this new facility will have on national defense and aerospace for both missile defense and space launch vehicle programs.
Northrop Grumman products built here support the United States of America’s missile defense program, including interceptors and targets as well as satellite launches for the U.S. Air Force, National Reconnaissance Office, NASA and commercial customers. The Chandler campus currently employs over 2,500 employees with future growth opportunities.
“Arizona is a national leader in aerospace and defense technology, and Northrop Grumman is a major contributor to this critical industry in our state,” said Gov. Ducey. “Arizona is proud to be chosen as the home for this important headquarters, and we thank Northrop Grumman for continuing to invest and expand in our state.”
This is the latest example of how custom build-to-suit building construction like the Northrop Grumman facility are able to accelerate the building process, spur on more corporate relocations, increase jobs and drive economic development in areas throughout the Valley. Willmeng Construction began work in 2017, executing tenant improvements on multiple buildings in Chandler for Northrop Grumman (formerly Orbital ATK). In 2018, Northrop Grumman acquired Orbital ATK, increasing their need for expansion in the Valley, and in 17 months one of the largest office and manufacturing facilities in the Valley was completed.
“The facility is a reflection of the vision that the team at the Douglas Allred Company has to strategically create appealing and unique campus environments,” said James Murphy, president and CEO of Willmeng Construction. “We were proud to take on the challenge of building this facility at a speed that is truly unparalleled in the market, achieving the unachievable to ensure there is were no disruption to the important work accomplished at Northrop Grumman. We were truly working to support a launch schedule.”
The groundbreaking of the facility in March 2018, located at 1575 S. Price Road along one of Metropolitan Phoenix’s fastest-growing employment and innovation corridors at the intersection of the Loop 101 and 202 freeways, marked the beginning of one of the largest construction projects in Phoenix in recent years. The project was designed by Wes Balmer Architects, Phoenix, and was constructed and delivered in 17 months--completing a process that normally takes more than two years. Throughout the process, Willmeng phased the project, receiving 45 separate permits to achieve the accelerated schedule required for Northrop Grumman’s completion deadline.
“We have a rich heritage here in Arizona that spans more than three decades, and our business here continues to grow rapidly,” said Blake Larson, President, Innovation Systems, Northrop Grumman. “This beautiful new facility will provide an improved work environment for our employees, provide a clean slate to work from to improve our efficiencies, and give us more room for growth. I extend my gratitude to this incredible team who came together for mission success.”
"Northrop Grumman’s investment in our Community of Innovation will continue the City’s trajectory of economic competitiveness for years to come,” said Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke. “I commend Douglas Allred Company’s vision to develop the Park Place Campus, and Willmeng Construction for their professionalism and efforts to get a project of this magnitude completed on time.”
About Willmeng Construction
Willmeng Construction is a full-service general contractor, honored to be named both General Contractor Firm of the Year and TI Contractor of the Year by NAIOP Arizona in 2019. Locally owned, their mission is to build a genuine place of purpose for their employees, clients and community. This is achieved through an authentic and committed approach to client care. Willmeng works directly with end-users, guiding them through the complex steps required to deliver a unique facility to fit their business needs. From site selection, to conceptual budgeting, to equipment fit up, Willmeng assists with decision-making to construct a facility that anticipates the growing needs of a rapidly changing business. For more information, visit Willmeng.
About the Douglas Allred Company
Based in coastal, North San Diego County, Douglas Allred Company is a full-service real estate firm with projects in commercial, industrial, retail, and residential sectors. They are a recognized leader in both real estate development and asset management. At the core of their reputation for excellence is teamwork and the personal involvement of their principals in every phase of project development. The company retains many of the properties for investment purposes and continue to maintain the relationships they have established with customers, partners, lenders, and the communities they serve. For more information, visit Douglas Allred Company.
About Northrop Grumman
Chandler is home to Northrop Grumman’s Innovation Systems Flight Systems Division and Launch Vehicles Business Unit. This new campus hosts more than 2,500 employees and 633,000 square feet of engineering, manufacturing and office space. The bulk of the company’s launch vehicle design, development, manufacturing and testing occurs at this location. Products built here support the United States of America’s missile defense program including interceptors and targets as well as satellite launches for the U.S. Air Force, National Reconnaissance Office, NASA and commercial customers. Launch Vehicles footprint in Chandler continues to grow with nearly $180 million in payroll contributed to the local economy, up by $40 million since 2017. For more information, visit Northrop Grumman.
Media contacts:
Jenn White
Small Giants, on behalf of Willmeng Construction
602-314-5549
Stephanie Romero
City of Chandler
480-782-2231