Meet the Team Powering Saab’s New Grayling, MI Facility
Saab, Inc. is proud to be joining the Grayling, Michigan community, opening a new facility that will support domestic production of shoulder-fired munitions and precision fire systems that help ensure the U.S. military is equipped with the latest technology.
In addition to strengthening U.S. defense manufacturing and production capabilities and working to keep people and society safe, Saab cares deeply about playing a positive role in the communities where we live and work, and in society as a whole. As seen at our facilities across the United States, Saab, Inc. is committed to supporting and strengthening the communities through investing in the local community and creating jobs.
With production at the Grayling facility expected to begin in early 2026, Saab has already welcomed team members from Grayling and across Michigan to begin the work needed to get the facility up and running.
Learn more about Saab’s path to Grayling here.
Meet some of the newest Saab team members and proud Michiganders behind the new Grayling facility!
David Howie
David recently joined Saab, Inc. as the Lead Project Manager for the Grayling site, but his connection to the area goes much deeper. Having visited Grayling his entire life—his great-grandfather once called it home—David brings both professional expertise and a personal investment in the region’s success.
With 25 years of service in the Michigan Army National Guard, David has extensive experience in leadership, operations and managing large-scale projects. He’s worked on everything from military training exercises to strategic initiatives that bring industry and defense communities together. David is currently serving as the Command Sergeant Major of the 1/182 FAR HIMARS in Detroit.
In his role at Saab, he’s focused on ensuring the company’s projects in Grayling run smoothly, building strong local partnerships and helping shape Saab’s long-term role in the community.
When he’s not keeping things on track, you can probably find him enjoying the outdoors with his family, trading stories, or delivering a well-timed sarcastic remark.
Kerry Harwood
Kerry is a proud Grayling native (a sixth-generation graduate of Grayling High School, to be exact). He recently joined Saab, Inc. as a Facilities Manager.
“It feels good knowing that we will be making something that supports and protects our military,” said Kerry. “When I saw Saab was coming to the area, I wanted to be involved from the ground up. I wanted to help create a facility that will provide opportunities for future generations to work and support their own family.”
Favorite Michigan fun fact? In Michigan, no matter your location, on average, there is a body of water within six miles in any direction, whether it be a lake, pond, river, or stream.
James Burton
James is a Senior Manufacturing Program Manager who is excited to plant roots in Northern Michigan after living in the state for the past three years.
“Saab offers an opportunity for ambitious individuals to have a phenomenal career close to home. I see the Grayling area as somewhat of a hidden gem, with some of the most beautiful lakes of the entire world nearby,” said James. “I saw an opportunity to continue working in defense, accelerate and grow my career, and stay close to the place I now consider home. I love my family, my community, and my country, and so Saab’s mission of keeping people and society safe resonates with me.”
Krissi Sears
Krissi is a born and raised Michigander, and joined Saab, Inc. as a Supply Chain Manager.
“My family spent our weekends on the Au Sable River near Grayling when I was a child. I love the area, from fishing and canoeing on the Au Sable to hunting and snowmobiling in the winter, so it’s wonderful to be here,” said Krissi. “I also identify with Saab’s mission. I have many past and present military members in my family, and I’m proud to be part of a team that works diligently to bring them home safely.
Shawn Morency
Shawn is a U.S. Navy veteran born in Grayling, who is moving home to join Saab, Inc. as a Quality Manager.
“My family and I have always wanted to live in Northern Michigan. This was a perfect opportunity both personally and professionally,” said Shawn. “After retiring from the military, my priority was to find a career that would allow me to continue supporting our nation's warfighters. Equally important, Grayling and the surrounding area face a critical need for sustainable career opportunities. Saab offers me the platform to give back to a community that has played a significant role in my life.”
Favorite Grayling fun fact: Grayling is home to the starting point for the iconic Au Sable River Canoe Marathon. This grueling 120-mile, non-stop race takes place on the picturesque Au Sable River, beginning in Grayling and ending in Oscoda, MI, where the river meets Lake Huron. The event attracts nearly 100 professional racers and draws thousands of spectators from around the world. If you’ve never witnessed it, I highly recommend attending—it's an unforgettable experience held on the last full weekend of July each year.
Saab is proud to be investing in the economic growth of Northern Michigan. At full production, Saab aims to support 70+ new jobs for the Grayling, MI community, ranging from production and assembly to engineering and management positions.
If you are interested in joining the Saab, Inc. team and making a difference, learn more about the job openings in the Grayling area.