HUNTSVILLE – Renovations are now underway to expand Boeing’s facilities in the Rocket City.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held to kick off the 9,000 sq. ft. expansion of the Huntsville Electronics Center of Excellence Wednesday morning.

The expansion will enhance the Boeing’s ability to produce, upgrade and sustain the PAC-3 missile seeker program.

The battle-tested, precision seeker provides guidance data to the U.S. Army’s PAC-3 Missile system, which has protected warfighters around the world from tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and hostile aircraft for more than two decades.

“This groundbreaking represents an important milestone in our long-term strategy to meet the growing air and missile defense needs of our customers and their international partners worldwide,” said Cindy Gruensfelder, vice president and general manager of Boeing’s Missile and Weapon Systems division. “It would not be possible without our world-class people and their unwavering commitment to delivering the very best for our customers who rely on us day-in and day-out.”

The missile seekers made in Huntsville are delivered to PAC-3 prime contractor Lockheed Martin.

Boeing’s Missile and Weapon Systems division is headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama.

Construction on the expansion is expected to be completed sometime between mid to late 2022.