IPG Photonics Expands Operations to Huntsville Alabama, Bringing Innovation to the Defense Industry

Rhea-AI Summary

IPG Photonics (NASDAQ:IPGP) opened a new 14,000-square-foot office and manufacturing facility in Huntsville, Alabama on Nov. 6, 2025, establishing the headquarters for the newly created IPG Defense business.

The Redstone Gateway site will develop and produce CROSSBOW™ laser defense and counter-UAS solutions, support customer demonstrations, and scale local hiring in engineering, applications, operations, and field support.

Insights

Defense manufacturing strategist

IPG Photonics opened a 14,000-square-foot IPG Defense facility in Huntsville to scale production of CROSSBOW counter‑UAS lasers and hire local engineers.

By establishing a dedicated IPG Defense headquarters at Redstone Gateway, IPG Physically expands capacity and customer access for its CROSSBOWTM high‑energy laser systems. The 14,000‑square‑foot site provides manufacturing space, customer demo capability, and collaborative work areas, which support faster design, development, and local scale‑up as management stated they will "meet the increased demand" for laser defense solutions.

The move leverages Huntsville’s defense ecosystem and local talent pool, supported publicly by Representative Dale Strong who observed an on‑site demo of a CROSSBOW counter‑UAS system. Key dependencies explicitly disclosed include continued demand for laser defense products and successful local hiring across Engineering, Applications, Operations, and Field Support. Risks include execution of hiring and ramping manufacturing to fulfill defense customers, both called out indirectly by the company’s stated plan to scale the workforce.

Watch near term: hiring progress and any announced contracts or orders tied to the Huntsville facility over the next 12 months from Nov 06, 2025. Monitor demonstrations or customer engagements at the Redstone Gateway site and any formal procurement announcements that reference CROSSBOW systems, as those will directly show whether the expansion converts into secured defense business.

MARLBOROUGH, Mass., Nov. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- IPG Photonics today announced the grand opening of its new office and manufacturing facility in Huntsville, Alabama. This location in Redstone Gateway will be the headquarters of the newly created IPG Defense business and dedicated to the development and production of laser defense solutions for both military and civilian operations.

Purpose Built for Mission Critical Operations

IPG Photonics’ investment transformed the 14,000-square-foot space into a world-class center where customers can experience innovative laser technologies and discuss their specific needs with the on-site experts. Additionally, the location features flexible and collaborative workspaces and amenities to provide an optimal team environment.

"This new facility enables our engineers to more rapidly design, develop and manufacture our current line of CROSSBOW^TM laser defense products, and allows us to scale up the local workforce to meet the increased demand for our laser defense solutions,” said Dr. Ben Allison, Vice President of IPG Defense Products.  

Huntsville, Alabama - the “Rocket City” - has long been an epicenter for defense programs and a hub for some of the best industry talent. IPG Defense is leveraging the strength of the local talent pool and is currently hiring for jobs in Engineering, Applications, Operations, and Field Support.

A True Win-Win for IPG Defense and Huntsville

As part of the grand opening event, Congressman Dale Strong (AL-05) visited the new location and was given a tour of the impressive facility. “I’m proud to visit IPG Defense and see the important work they’re doing to strengthen our defense position through local advanced manufacturing and new job creation. North Alabama continues to play a central role in our nation’s security mission, and now we will further increase our capabilities by adding new Counter-UAS laser defense solutions to our region,” said Representative Dale Strong.  

During his visit, Rep. Strong participated in a hands-on demonstration of a CROSSBOW counter-UAS high-energy laser system in operation.  Rep. Strong continued, “When I operated CROSSBOW, I was impressed at the ease of use, speed, and effectiveness to counter drones.  As drone threats become more common, especially along our southern border, IPG Defense’s technology will be vital in protecting our people and critical infrastructure. We must stay one step ahead to keep Americans safe."

Laser Solutions Beyond Defense Applications

The new facility builds on Huntsville’s legacy of innovation, establishing a strategic defense hub that enhances IPG’s role in protecting critical assets. It also delivers world-class industrial laser technologies to regional defense customers. Leveraging IPG’s deep applications expertise, the company plans to integrate fiber lasers into differentiated subsystems and systems to address complex challenges where precision and efficiency are essential.

IPG’s proven laser-based solutions—including multi-application capabilities in welding, cutting, and cleaning, as well as robotic automation for large-scale manufacturing—enable defense contractors to achieve superior performance and cost efficiency. This approach strengthens long-term partnerships and accelerates adoption of laser-based technologies across the defense industry, creating lasting value for customers and stakeholders.

About IPG Photonics Corporation

IPG Photonics Corporation is the leader in high-power fiber lasers and amplifiers used primarily in materials processing and other diverse applications. The Company’s mission is to develop innovative laser solutions making the world a better place. IPG accomplishes this mission by delivering superior performance, reliability, and usability at a lower total cost of ownership compared with other types of lasers and non-laser tools, allowing end users to increase productivity and decrease costs. IPG is headquartered in Marlborough, Massachusetts and has more than 30 facilities worldwide.

For more information, visit IPG-CROSSBOW.com

Contact
Dr. Ben Allison
VP, IPG Defense Products
256-715-5750 
ballison@IPGPhotonics.com

FAQ

What did IPG Photonics announce on Nov. 6, 2025 about its Huntsville facility (IPGP)?

IPG announced the grand opening of a 14,000-square-foot Huntsville facility as the headquarters for IPG Defense, focused on CROSSBOW laser defense solutions.

How will the new IPG Photonics (IPGP) Huntsville site support defense product development?

The Huntsville site is built for mission-critical operations to design, develop, manufacture, and demonstrate CROSSBOW counter-UAS and other laser defense systems.

Is IPG Photonics (IPGP) hiring at the new Huntsville facility and for which roles?

Yes. IPG is hiring locally for roles in Engineering, Applications, Operations, and Field Support to scale production and support customers.

Did any government representatives visit IPG Photonics (IPGP) Huntsville at the opening?

Yes. Congressman Dale Strong (AL-05) visited, toured the facility, and participated in a hands-on CROSSBOW counter-UAS demonstration.

Will IPG Photonics (IPGP) Huntsville serve civilian customers as well as military?

Yes. The facility is dedicated to developing and producing laser defense solutions for both military and civilian operations.

What commercial laser capabilities will IPG Defense showcase at the Huntsville site (IPGP)?

The site will demonstrate CROSSBOW high-energy laser counter-UAS systems and IPG’s industrial fiber laser applications for welding, cutting, cleaning, and robotic automation.