Official says Raytheon has ‘solid future’

Camden News August 26, 2009

   EAST CAMDEN (AP) — Raytheon Missile Systems gathered its employees Tuesday to mark a production milestone for a line of surface-to-air naval missiles, and officials told the workers that their jobs appear to be assured for at least another decade or so.
   "We’ve got a solid foundation and a solid future for the (Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile)," said Navy Capt. Mike Anderson, a missile program officer based in Washington.
   The plant’s 150 workers assemble and test the Evolved Sea Sparrow, which is designed to be fired from ships at incoming cruise missiles.
   Workers accepted congratulations for shipping their 1,000th Evolved Sea Sparrow missile, more than doubling monthly production to 45 missiles in May and producing 30 per month since. The missiles are used by 20 classes of ships among a dozen nations.
   The Evolved Sea Sparrow "is the defense weapon of choice for modern navies worldwide," said Frank Wyatt, vice president of naval weapon systems for Raytheon.
   The plant also makes Tomahawk cruise missiles and several types of standard missiles. The missile parts are manufactured at plants in 10 countries and brought together in East Camden. 

Groundbreaking held for new industry

By DONNA COLLINS Staff Writer

Camden News August 14, 2009

   CAMDEN - Phoenix Renewable Energy and local officials broke ground Thursday on a $180-plus million project that includes a wood pellet manufacturing plant, wood pellet fueled power generating plant and $4.5 million in improvements to the Port of Camden.    About 500 people gathered at the Port of Camden
   Camden Mayor Chris Claybaker welcomed the crowd by reminding them of the community’s "devastation" in 2000 when International Paper Co. closed the local paper mill. Claybaker said Phoenix, "like the hopes and dreams of generations, will rise out of the rumble" of what was once the IP mill.
   The Hot Springs-based Phoenix is leasing 44 acres of former IP property now owned by Camden Area Industrial Development Corporation.
   When the project was first revealed earlier this year, the cost was estimated at $110 million. CAIDC executive director James Lee Silliman told the Camden News the investment rose when Phoenix increased the size and capacity of the plants.