Karman Space &amp; Defense announced plans to open a new manufacturing facility in Utah to increase production capacity for missile launch systems, counter-drone technology, and solid rocket motor components used in U.S. defense programs.The company said the digitally enabled factory, to be located in the greater Salt Lake City area, will serve as an advanced manufacturing hub for loitering missile and counter-unmanned aircraft system launchers, as well as nozzle assemblies for solid rocket motors. Karman said the new facility is expected to quadruple its launcher production capacity and add additional nozzle manufacturing capability for missile systems designated as critical munitions by the Pentagon.Karman said it has invested more than $15 million over the past year to expand capacity at its existing manufacturing sites. That includes a $5 million company investment matched by $5 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Defense under the Defense Production Act Title III program to support solid rocket motor nozzle production.“Our investments reflect the urgency to expand critical U.S. and allied defense capabilities,” said Chief Operating Officer Jonathan Beaudoin. He said the Utah facility will increase production volume while adding manufacturing redundancy and reducing supply-chain risk for key missile and counter-UAS programs.The new site will incorporate what Karman calls its Karman Operating System, a digital manufacturing platform that integrates artificial intelligence to optimize workflow, quality control, and production decision-making. The company said the facility will house vertically integrated capabilities, including metal and composite manufacturing, assembly, processing, and testing, in a single location to shorten production timelines.Karman said the facility will feature advanced automation and inspection technologies designed to meet stringent customer requirements. The company is converting an existing structure rather than building a new site, which it said will accelerate production readiness. Operations are expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026.Karman develops and manufactures components and subsystems used in U.S. space and defense programs. In October 2025, the company’s Systima facility received Defense Production Act funding to expand solid rocket motor nozzle production, with the company matching the federal investment.

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Karman Space & Defense plans to open a new manufacturing facility in Utah to expand production of missile launch systems, counter-drone technology, and solid rocket motor components. The facility is expected to significantly increase capacity for Pentagon-designated critical munitions and begin operations in late 2026.

Karman Space & Defense to expand production with new Utah manufacturing facility

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