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What is the history of Raytheon in Tucson?
Raytheon Missile Systems got its start in Tucson 1951 when  groundbreaking began on what was then Hughes Missile Systems Company. Through the defense industry consolidation in the 1990s, the business has grown to encompass a wide array of missile systems designed, developed and produced for the U.S. military services and the allied forces of more than 40 countries. Now a business of Raytheon Company, Missile Systems has produced more than 1 million missiles since 1954.
Leveraging its capabilities in advanced airframes, guidance and navigation systems, high-resolution sensors, targeting and netted systems, the Missile Systems broad weapons portfolio includes missiles, guided munitions, projectiles, kinetic kill vehicles, space vehicles and directed energy systems.
Through its Advanced Programs activities, the business is focused on the development and early introduction of next-generation, end-to-end system solutions, architectures and mission capabilities for the warfighter. Missile Systems is also applying its technologies to new and adjacent markets, such as Homeland Security and space exploration.
What is Raytheon’s business philosophy?
Missile Systems draws on resources throughout Raytheon to understand and align with customer needs to develop the best solution. We’re committed to providing systems that customers can rely on to perform as needed every time, and this promise of Mission Assurance has been proven continually in critical missions.
Missile Systems’ vision is putting Energy on Target® — by creating effective, affordable, quick, worldwide solutions and products. Missile Systems embraces a culture of innovation and personal accountability to provide systems solutions in its core and in new markets.
How many Raytheon employers are there in Tucson? Elsewhere?
There are approximately 11,000 Missile Systems employees in Tucson and another 1,000 Missile Systems employees at offsite operations in Louisville, Ky., Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., Camden, Ark., and Farmingham, N.M. Raytheon Company has 67,000 employees in the U.S. and 73,000 worldwide.
 Where is Raytheon Company located?
Raytheon Company operates other businesses located throughout the U.S.: Integrated Defense Systems, headquarted in Tewksbury, Mass.; Intelligence and Information Systems, headquartered in Garland, Texas; Network Centric Systems, headquartered in McKinney, Texas; Raytheon Technical Services Company, LLC, headquartered in Reston, Va.; and Space and Airborne Systems, headquartered El Segundo, Calif.
How did Raytheon choose Tucson as a business location? Why have they stayed in Tucson?
Hughes Aircraft leaders chose Tucson more than 50 years ago because they were looking for an inland location to produce the world’s first radar-guided air-to-air missile, the Falcon, and they felt Tucson had a lot to offer in terms of land availability, potential workforce and strong community. As the community and the business have grown, so have the relationships between the company, the city, the county, the university and other key community organizations. Good quality of life and family-friendly environment are among the reasons employees cite for wanting to work and live in Tucson.
What are your thoughts on Tucson as a business community? What are the greatest strengths of the Tucson region?
Missile Systems has established extensive relationships with local businesses. During 2006, RMS placed over $47 million with more than 270 suppliers. There are several benefits to working with local suppliers including cost savings, faster delivery, and the ability to meet without travel expense.
TREO has played an instrumental role over the years in helping numerous small businesses in Tucson develop business relationships with Raytheon. Tucson is thriving because of the commitment of local business leaders who work together to improve the business environment and the efforts of organizations like TREO that recruit businesses to Tucson.
What have been the biggest successes for Raytheon locally?
Missile Systems has developed strong relationships with local businesses and organizations such as the University of Arizona and local K-12 schools. Efforts include adjunct professors, recruiting and sponsorships. In addition, Missile Systems’ relationship with Pima Community College and other local education institutions provide learning and development opportunities for employees.
These partnerships help Missile Systems reach out to the community to help promote programs such as MathMovesU, a math and science initiative. As one of the sponsors of the annual Math & Science Funfest, Raytheon engineers join other local engineers, scientists and mathematicians to interest thousands of Tucson children in careers in math and science.
What kind of involvement does Raytheon have in the community?
Missile Systems is Southern Arizona’s largest private employer and as such plays an active role in the life of the community. Thousands of Raytheon employees volunteer their time in the community in educational programs, sports and athletic activities and many other worthy causes.
Missile Systems also contributes and participates in a variety of academic programs through partnerships with the University of Arizona and Pima Community College and other educational institutions. Programs range from education assistance and scholarships to an Engineering-sponsored MBA program at the Eller College. In addition, Missile Systems is involved with ongoing technology research and development, service and development, and entrepreneurship and innovation programs.
What are the plans for the future of Raytheon and what role does Tucson play in those plans? Why has Raytheon been successful in Tucson?
Raytheon continues to focus on growing its core business and also on applying its technologies to new markets, such as directed energy and space. It has developed great capability in Tucson that includes state-of-the-art design and engineering as well as advanced manufacturing capabilities. Military customers see Missile Systems operations in Tucson as a national asset and the company is committed to maintaining its Tucson operations to meet customers’ needs. Missile Systems success in Tucson has been due to a supportive business climate as well as a good quality of life for employees. |