Rafael Systems Global Sustainment Expands With New Office in Michigan
Rafael Systems Global Sustainment Expands Operations in Michigan
Rafael Systems Global Sustainment (RSGS) has announced the opening of a new office in Sterling Heights, Michigan, marking an important chapter in its journey to enhance service delivery to both industry and government customers. This expansion underscores RSGS's ongoing commitment to supporting the defense community in Michigan while also contributing to local economic growth through job creation.
The new Sterling Heights office is strategically situated at the center of Michigan's defense corridor, which positions RSGS closer to its key partners, including government entities and prime contractors. The location is designed to improve the accessibility and responsiveness of RSGS’s services, allowing for better collaboration and faster project execution.
LTG (Ret.) Joseph Anderson, the President and CEO of RSGS, expressed enthusiasm about the new office, stating, "The opening of our Michigan office demonstrates that RSGS continues to invest in the long-term needs of a robust Americanization effort focused on cutting-edge technologies to support our warfighters. Our focus is to work closely with both our industry and government customers in a collaborative nature to ensure we deliver capabilities critical to the fight." This statement reflects RSGS's vision of reinforcing U.S. defense priorities and fulfilling its mission to provide vital support to the nation's military.
Leading the Michigan team is Marc Shepard, RSGS’s newly appointed Vice President and General Manager. He joined the company on May 1, 2025, and brings with him over two decades of experience in the defense sector. Shepard shared his enthusiasm for the new office, saying, "We're excited to be in Michigan and closer to the customers and partners who are shaping the future of defense. Our team is eager to contribute to the region's strong innovation ecosystem and deliver solutions that matter."
RSGS's establishment in Michigan is not just beneficial for its internal growth, but it also plays a crucial role in the broader defense community in the area. The support from local entities such as the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), Macomb County, and the City of Sterling Heights has been pivotal for the successful launch of the new office. Jeanne Schabath-Lewis, the Stakeholder Engagement Director at the Michigan Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation, welcomed RSGS into the Michigan ecosystem, emphasizing the company's potential contributions to local defense efforts.
This new chapter for RSGS is indicative of its strategic vision to deepen its impact on the defense landscape while simultaneously aligning itself with local needs. The office not only aims to enhance RSGS's manufacturing capabilities but also represents an investment in talent within the Michigan workforce. With a team boasting over 60 years of collective experience in active protection systems, RSGS is set to enhance its service offerings significantly since it now has a robust local operation.
The focus of RSGS in Michigan is to deliver mission-critical capabilities that will support and safeguard America's warfighters effectively. This move represents a significant investment in the future of state and local defense initiatives, and RSGS is poised to become a vital player in the region’s defense innovation environment. As they move forward, RSGS looks forward to developing strong partnerships that will not only benefit their operations but also the defense industry at large.
In conclusion, RSGS's expansion into Michigan is a strategic decision that promises increased support for local defense initiatives, job creation, and enhanced service capabilities. This development reflects the company's commitment to fostering relationships with its industry partners and government customers to drive innovation and success in the defense sector.