The deal will leverage recent investments byin talent and facilities across the country and centered in Boulder, Broomfield and Westminster “to provide a multi-dimensional platform for vital national defense, intelligence, and science hardware, software, and space-based assets,” Daniel Fisher, Ball CEO and chairman, said in a statement Thursday.
Messages were left with the two companies for comment on what the acquisition will mean for Ball’s employees and facilities in Colorado. BAE Systems spokeswoman Lisa Malloy said in an email that the plan calls for Ball to initially be a standalone business unit. “The proposed acquisition of Ball Aerospace is a unique opportunity to add a high quality, fast growing technology focused business with significant capabilities to our core business that is performing strongly and well positioned for sustained growth,” BAE Systems CEO Charles Woodburn said in a statement.
Ball Aerospace has about 5,200 employees. During a call with investors Thursday, BAE officials said Ball has a long and distinguished career and is a pioneering innovator. The company, which has government and commercial customers, has invested roughly $1.1 billion in its manufacturing facilities over the past five years.