GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas — Lockheed Martin is investing $300 million to expand its missile manufacturing operations in Grand Prairie as part of a nationwide initiative to increase defense production and create thousands of jobs.
The defense contractor announced Wednesday, Oct. 14, that it plans to create 6,000 jobs nationwide, including 2,000 in Texas. The company did not specify how many positions would be located in Grand Prairie.
The expansion will increase the facility’s manufacturing footprint to more than 735,000 square feet.
The project includes 100,000 square feet of new construction and the conversion of 85,000 square feet of existing office space into advanced manufacturing areas.
Lockheed Martin also announced a partnership with manufacturing technology company Hadrian to install an automated machining system featuring 24 machines.
The equipment is expected to become operational in early 2027.
The Grand Prairie facility supports several military programs, including Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Missile Segment Enhancement, Terminal High Altitude Area Defense and Precision Strike Missile systems.
Nearly 800 production employees currently work at the facility, which manufactured approximately 250,000 parts in 2025, according to Lockheed Martin.
The company is expected to add nearly 100 advanced manufacturing machines by the end of 2026.
The investment is part of Lockheed Martin’s broader commitment to spend $8 billion to $9 billion through 2030 modernizing or expanding more than 20 facilities nationwide.
The expansion is expected to increase manufacturing capacity in North Texas, although the company has not announced a timeline for hiring in Grand Prairie.
About the Author
