06 May 2008 | Ref. 145/2008
HONOLULU, Hawaii — BAE Systems, one of Hawaii’s largest defense contractors, has begun construction of its Pacific Innovation Center at the First Hawaiian Bank building in downtown Honolulu. The company will use the facility to demonstrate the systems and software solutions it develops in Honolulu and across its expanding defense and aerospace electronics business.
The 3,000-square-foot facility, set to open in January 2009, will use large multimedia displays to demonstrate a wide array of BAE Systems capabilities. It will be linked electronically with similar BAE Systems facilities in San Diego, California; Reston, Virginia; and Nashua, New Hampshire.
“Our Innovation Centers in San Diego and Reston have been highly effective in helping us tell the story of our far-reaching capabilities to current and prospective customers,” said Mike Heffron, president of BAE Systems’ Electronics & Integrated Solutions operating group. “We look forward to emulating this capability in Hawaii for current and potential customers located here.”
Heffron spoke at a Hawaiian blessing ceremony commemorating the start of construction. The Rev. William Kaina presided over the ceremony, which was attended by representatives for U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye and U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie.
BAE Systems and its partner companies will use the Pacific Innovation Center to demonstrate software, products, and systems capabilities. Throughout Hawaii, BAE Systems has 900 people at the Bishop Street facility where employees work on military imaging and target detection systems, the Hawaii Shipyards, and the Schofield Barracks Army base.
About BAE Systems
BAE Systems is the premier global defense and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions and customer support services. With 97,500 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £15.7 billion (US $31.4 billion) in 2007.
For further information, please contact:
Alan Hayashi, BAE Systems
Tel: +1 808 441-2593 Mobile: +1 808 255-6699
alan.hayashi@baesystems.com
Shannon Smith, BAE Systems
Tel: +1 703 907 8257 Mobile: +1 703 967 3854
shannon.n.smith@baesystems.com
