FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): Praising its existing workforce and the economic climate, officials with BAE Systems celebrated the ground breaking of a new facility near Fort Wayne International Airport.

Company officials, along with local and state leaders were on hand for the announcement. The $39 million dollar, 335-thousand square foot plant is expected to operational by the end of 2015. The company currently has a factory on Taylor Street.

The announcement comes as the company had investigated other sites nationally, but opted to remain in Allen County.

BAE Systems’ Fort Wayne operations produce engine controls and flight controls for commercial and military aircraft. The company employs more than 1,000 people in Fort Wayne.