Daviess County officials have taken a significant step toward strengthening the region's role in advanced microelectronics testing by approving plans for a new multi-million-dollar facility at WestGate@Crane Technology Park.
The Daviess County Council just voted to pass a declaratory resolution, the first move toward granting a 10-year tax abatement to the project. This building will continue the park's position of strategic advantage in defense technology and microelectronics innovation.
"We see this as a critical addition to the WestGate area, making Crane a leader in microelectronics testing for years to come," stated Paul Kite of Strongbox Development.
State-of-the-Art Microelectronics Testing Facility
The new radiation combined environment testing facility will play a key role in evaluating the functionality and reliability of microelectronic systems under varying conditions.
- The project comprises two specially dedicated buildings with an area of 25,000 square feet
- Total investment: $30 million (excluding equipment)
- The facility will be one of a kind in the U.S., solely dedicated to the Department of Defense (DoD) for testing microelectronics
"These buildings may not be gigantic, but they are very complex," Kite said. "One will be a prep building, and the other will have testing operations."
Amentum's Central Role in the Project
The project is a partnership with Amentum, a seasoned Crane contractor with over 200 professionals presently employed at Crane and WestGate.
"Amentum is eager to partner with Crane, Strongbox, and local communities to build this world-class test facility," said Tammy Walker, Senior Program Manager, Amentum.
"This facility will provide microelectronics testing for the Department of Defense and will be the only one of its kind in the country."
Economic and Job Growth Impact
- 15 new highly qualified posts will be created to start with
- The plant will house a number of testing teams over the course of a year
- Employees will receive specialized training and be subject to Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) inspections
Officials plan to break ground next spring 2025, with operations commencing by late 2027.
Economic and Technological Impact on Daviess County
The project is anticipated to strengthen the local economy and facilitate additional development at WestGate@Crane Tech Park.
“We’re thrilled about the economic impact this will have on our community,” said Marilyn McCullough, President of the Daviess County Council.
“By strengthening the tech park, we’re creating jobs, attracting more people, and potentially expanding housing opportunities.”“There is potential for future expansion,” added Bob Grewe, Executive Director of the Daviess County Economic Development Corporation.
"Crane's success at winning more missions and funding will determine the level of growth."
The complex will be built on a 25-acre tract along the south side of State Road 558, near the Martin-Daviess County line.
National Defense & Microelectronics Industry Growth
This growth aligns with the U.S. Department of Defense's overall strategy to improve domestic microelectronics capabilities.
- In September 2023, the DoD released nearly $240 million to establish eight regional Microelectronics Commons hubs across the U.S. (Source)
- The hubs will accelerate research-to-production transitions for microelectronics, strengthening national security and technological leadership
The WestGate@Crane Technology Park, located near the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane Division, is a hub for defense innovation and technology-based economic development. It hosts over 50 tenants, from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies. (Learn more)
Amentum's Legacy in Defense Innovation
Amentum has a rich legacy of defending defense-related projects in the region.
- In December 2020, Amentum received a $22 million contract for research, development, testing, and evaluation at NSWC Crane (Read more)
- Amentum's WestGate Tech Park facilities already are the hub of DoD research and development
The new building will augment the defense sector's capability to conduct highly specialized testing of military microelectronics, which will guarantee U.S. technological superiority.
Conclusion: A Great Milestone for WestGate@Crane Tech Park
The $30 million microelectronics test facility at WestGate@Crane Technology Park is a strategic investment in national defense, regional economic growth, and technological advancement.
Through Amentum, Strongbox Development, and the Daviess County Council leading the charge, the project is ready to:
✅ Strengthen the U.S. defense industry's microelectronics capabilities
✅ Develop high-tech job opportunities in Daviess County
✅ Bring more businesses and capital to the area
Keep Current on This Project
To learn more about the partners involved, go to:
Amentum – Amentum.com
WestGate@Crane Tech Park – WestGateCrane.org
Department of Defense Microelectronics Initiative – Defense.gov
This innovation is a game-changer for the technology industry, national defense, and the future of WestGate@Crane. Stay tuned for stunning news within the next several months!