By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
HUNTSVILLE — Dayton T. Brown has opened a rocket motor testing center on Pulaski Pike, strengthening North Huntsville’s defense capabilities and bringing services closer to manufacturers.
The 104,000-square-foot Solid Rocket Motor Qualification & Production Test Center operates under a 10-year lease, with L3Harris serving as its anchor customer, according to Huntsville Business Journal.
Previously, L3Harris shipped products to Dayton T. Brown’s New York facility for testing. The location, minutes from L3Harris’ manufacturing operations, is expected to shorten transportation time, reduce shipping risks, and deliver faster test results.
“Our customers are here, their engineers are here, and their programs are here,” company President Jim Kelly said.
The center offers proof, burst, X-ray, and structural testing. Initial operations will support large-scale rocket motor testing for L3Harris tied to Golden Dome requirements.
Kelly said expanded testing capacity is essential as defense manufacturers face pressure to increase production while maintaining reliability.
“If testing can’t keep up pace with production, it creates bottlenecks,” he said.
U.S. Rep. Dale Strong emphasized the region’s contribution to national defense.
“This new facility defines the important role that North Alabama plays,” Strong said.
Mayor Tommy Battle said the operation will bring jobs and complement the region’s existing defense and technology industries.
Company officials described a three-phase development strategy designed to accommodate future demand. Planned capabilities include environmental and electromagnetic interference testing as customer needs evolve.
Matt May, vice president and division manager of DTB’s Test and Engineering Division, said the company also plans a second facility behind the center.