Gulfstream expands Savannah research & development campus

Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. recently purchased a building off Lummus Drive to house the aircraft manufacturer's growing research and development program. The 253,000-square-foot facility is located adjacent to the company's Research and Development campus in Crossroads Business Park in Savannah.

The acquisition is part of an expansion plan Gulfstream announced on Nov. 15, 2010, which includes building new facilities at the northwest quadrant of the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, renovating several existing facilities on the main campus off Gulfstream Road and expanding office and lab facilities at the Gulfstream Research and Development Center.

"Gulfstream recognizes the strategic importance of research and development," said Pres Henne, senior vice president, Programs, Engineering and Test, Gulfstream. "This expansion will enable us to explore new technologies that further enhance aircraft safety, reliability, dependability and efficiency for our customers."

Gulfstream purchased the building from the Lummus Corp. in late December. It is currently undergoing the first of two planned renovations, which should be complete in February. The second renovation is slated to start in April and is scheduled for completion in 2012.

Located on 49.2 acres, the facility includes approximately 30,000 square feet of office space, approximately 223,000 square feet of light manufacturing and warehouse space, and the potential for additional office, lab and warehouse development.

Gulfstream's Research and Development campus consists of three different phases and is home to approximately 1,450 employees. Research and Development Center I (RDC I) opened in March 2006 and accommodates some 750 technical and engineering employees. RDC II has two buildings: a 108,750-square-foot office building and an 80,500-square-foot laboratory building. The office building accommodates 550 employees from engineering and its supporting groups. In addition to research- and development-related equipment, the laboratory building houses some 150 engineering and support employees.