R2 Space is planning to relocate and expand its corporate headquarters in the City of Ann Arbor. Once completed, the expansion will include an ISO Class 8 cleanroom, electrical and mechanical test labs and associated specialised test equipment, manufacturing equipment and a satellite operations mission centre.
Established in 2018, R2 Space is an aerospace company dedicated to providing the US government and commercial customers with space-based satellite radar intelligence. R2 Space supports high-tech industries including aerospace, homeland security and defense technology.
The expansion was put in motion as a result of growth through new contracts and will involve the creation of 30 new jobs and a capital investment of up to US$1.4 million in Ann Arbor, resulting in a $250,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant.
CEO and Co-Founder of R2 Space Dr Reuben Sorensen, said: "R2 Space is honoured to call Ann Arbor, Michigan home. Ann Arbor is the nation's centre of excellence for Synthetic Aperture Radar, providing the specialised and highly qualified workforce needed to scale the R2 family to over 30 people in the next two years."
"This is just our start. R2 Space's relocation to Michigan will enable us to benefit from the automotive industry's depth and expertise in manufacturing," Sorensen added.
Sorensen explained that the commercial space sector is becoming an increasingly important part of the military's efforts in space and his company's goal is to showcase how Michigan's Motor City will soon drive the space industry in support of the US's security.
In addition to MSF support, Ann Arbor SPARK is prepared to assist the company in finding candidates for the newly created positions. Michigan was chosen over competing sites in Ohio, Texas, Louisiana and Virginia.
"Ann Arbor has an extensive aerospace heritage, anchored by University of Michigan's world-class aerospace engineering programmes," said Paul Krutko, president and CEO of Ann Arbor SPARK. "The decision by R2 Space to select Ann Arbor for its new corporate headquarters signals that this high-growth company values the region's top talent and culture of innovation. Attracting the company here widens opportunities for job seekers and underscores our reputation as a high-tech magnet."
