Global defense and security company Saab AB announced plans Wednesday to locate a new US manufacturing operation in Indiana. The facility, located at Discovery Park at Purdue University District Aerospace on the west side of the Purdue University campus, will house Research & Development and support production of the US Air Force’s next-generation T-X jet trainer and create up to 300 new jobs, with hiring starting in 2020.
The Stockholm-based company will invest $37 million to locate and build an Indiana-based workforce in West Lafayette. Saab will construct and equip a facility to manufacture a significant portion of the T-X advanced pilot training aircraft, which will help train future U.S.Air Force pilots for generations to come. President and CEO Håkan Buskhe remarked that Saab recognized the visionary leadership of both the State of Indiana and Purdue University.
“We welcome Saab to Greater Lafayette,” said Lafayette Mayor Tony Roswarski. “This has been an important and rewarding collaboration between Lafayette, West Lafayette, Tippecanoe County, Purdue University and the State of Indiana. Our partnership helps us meet the needs of our growing community and good employment opportunities. It also helps provide the best environment for our companies to grow and prosper.”