The Mesquite City Council unanimously approved a zoning change that would allow General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (OTS) to move forward with a new manufacturing plant in Mesquite.
The facility, in the Mesquite 635 industrial park near the intersection of Interstate 635 and U.S. Highway 80, would produce artillery projectile metal parts for the U.S. Department of Defense, specifically the U.S. Army. This facility does not include the storage, manufacturing or installation of explosive components.
With the City Council’s approval, General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems will occupy a 240,011 square-foot building on the property, employing approximately 50 salaried employees and another 75-100 hourly workers. Plans call for the rebuilding Santa Maria Drive to accommodate truck traffic to the facility.
“We are excited to have a company like General Dynamics coming to Mesquite,” said City Manager Cliff Keheley. “Mesquite has had a small-town feel for many years, but we are becoming a robust commercial center. Our residents no longer have to leave Mesquite to find employment.”
“This unique opportunity is a direct result of our strong partnership with the U.S. Army and a very responsive and collaborative Mesquite, Texas, community,” said Steven Black, vice president and general manager at General Dynamics-OTS. “We are very excited to grow our company in this region.”