Aug. 16--Rockwell Collins has opened a new operations center in Huntsville, Ala., where it plans to expand by more than 100 employees.

The Cedar Rapids-based supplier of aviation electronics and communications gear now has about 40 employees in Huntsville.

With the new facility in the Cummings Research Park, Rockwell will combine several divisions into one location and be more accessible and responsive to Huntsvillearea customers, the company said.

Alabama Lt. Gov. Jim Folsom Jr., who attended dedication ceremonies for the 30,000square-foot facility Friday, said "the staggering growth of the aerospace and defense industry in Alabama is redefining the economic development profile of the state." Rockwell Collins Services Executive Vice President Kent Statler said the expansion will enable Rockwell Collins to provide total life-cycle so lutions to the many aviation, missile and space-related organizations and programs in the Huntsville area.

The 3,800-acre Cummings Research Park is the secondlargest research and technology park in the United States. It is home to 285 companies.

Aerospace companies with facilities in the park include Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Bell Helicopter, Ball Aerospace, Aerojet and L-3 Communications.

-- Contact the writer: (319) 398-8317 or david.dewitte@gazcomm.com

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