Building defense systems is a complicated game, and that's why everyone needs to be on the same page.
That's the premise -- and even the name -- behind a recently completed addition to the General Dynamics Land Systems facility in Sterling Heights, the Maneuver Collaboration Center. The new space allows the company to innovate, engineer, and build the technology in one spot, from beginning to end, typically in less than 30 days, and has the technology to foster working together either in a large group or virtually.
Because the enemy is always changing, the defense industry needs to be able to turn projects around fast, says Sonya Sepahban, senior vice president of engineering, design and development for GDLS. "We have a strong heritage of building the best combat systems in the world," she says. "We have to stay a step ahead."
The addition added another 10,000 square feet to the building, doubling its size and better bringing together technologies and the virtual community. It's been in use for the past few months, having broken ground in November, and the finishing touches were expected to be completed by this week.
Sepahban says at the end of the day, the company is there for the warfighter and his or her safety and effectiveness. The space is designed to encourage creativity and innovation, with open spaces, computer ports for virtual collaboration, and displays of current projects -- "everything we can think of to remove barriers for communication," she says.
Not only is the addition an $11 million local investment, it also allows all kinds of vendors and suppliers to approach them with new ideas, Sepahban says. "This is really more about the smaller businesses and innovators out there," she says. "This provides a virtual community where everyone who has a great idea can engage with us and see what our needs are."
Among the facility's features are collaboration rooms, a Vehicle Center, an Innovation Lab, and the Warfighter Integration Lab.
Green features include water-efficient plumbing fixtures, energy-efficient lighting, lighting-control systems, and green furniture and flooring. The entire GDLS headquarters complex is in the process of obtaining LEED certification by early next year. GDLS is a subsidiary of General Dynamics, based in Falls Church, Va.
Source: Sonya Sepahban, senior vice president of engineering, design and development for General Dynamics Land Systems
Writer: Kristin Lukowski
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