Community Turns Out for Saab Open House in Grayling, Michigan
Saab’s open house offered an in-depth look at the company’s plans for its advanced manufacturing facility and its commitment to the local community.
Saab recently welcomed more than 100 Grayling community members to an open house event where the company shared information about its plans for a new advanced manufacturing facility. Held at Kirtland Community College in Grayling, the event provided an opportunity for attendees to meet Saab executives, including Erik Smith, President and CEO of Saab in the U.S., Brad Barnard, VP and General Manager of Land Systems, and Viktor Wallstrom, Senior VP and Head of Group Communication and Sustainability for Saab AB.
During the event, attendees learned about the new facility’s role in assembling precision fire and shoulder-fired munitions, Saab’s approach to product safety and environmental stewardship and the company’s long-term commitment to local hiring and economic growth in Grayling. Guests engaged directly with Saab leaders, asking thoughtful questions about the project’s impact on the region.
“We are thrilled to be part of the Grayling community and look forward to growing together,” said Erik Smith. “Saab’s investment here reflects not only our commitment to strengthening the U.S. defense industrial base but also to supporting and uplifting the communities where we operate.”
Once operational, the facility will employ more than 70 full-time positions, from skilled assemblers to engineers and managers. Saab expects to begin recruiting for these roles in 2025, with operations set to start in early 2026.
The open house marked an exciting first step in building connections between Saab and the Grayling community. As plans move forward, Saab looks forward to bringing new opportunities to Northern Michigan while delivering world-class manufacturing capabilities to support America’s armed forces.