Sargent Aerospace & Defense (USA; a division of Dover Corporation) announced it will be adding more than 70,000 square feet to its existing headquarters and manufacturing facility in Marana / Tucson, Arizona.

Started in 1920, Sargent designs, manufactures, services and overhauls a wide variety of aerospace and defense mechanical parts, such as bearings and hydraulic systems and controls.

The company is organized into two divisions, OEM and aftermarket. Aftermarket is strictly maintenance, repair and overhaul services (MRO), which includes some manufacturing. OEM includes all types of civil and military aircraft, land vehicles, and even submarines. The OEM business is home to the company's Kahr bearing division, Sonic fasteners, and Airtronic rings, seals and joints.

Sargent's current facility is approximately 60,000 square feet and employs nearly 250 people. There is another manufacturing facility in Guaymas, Mexico and a field location in Torrance, California.

Sargent said the larger Tucson facility will be needed in order to meet developing demand across many of its aviation sector customers -- the Boeing 787, Airbus A350, Joint Strike Fighter, and others.

The new Tucson facility is expected to come online in mid-2011, in time for Sargent to take advantage of a forecast jump in aviation equipment sales. It will primarily be an engineering, design and testing facility, but also host badly needed additional manufacturing space.

Scott Still, President of Sargent, said: "Our decision to expand in the greater Tucson region, specifically Marana, was driven by a need to retain a strategic location with a culturally diverse employment base. Being close to California and Mexico allows us access to both key aerospace suppliers and our existing manufacturing plants via a well-established transportation network. Southern Arizona provides long-term value while maximizing productivity and supporting our growth plans."