Saab Hires General Manager for Aerospace Systems
Saab’s presence in West Lafayette, IN has been cemented with the hiring of Indiana native, Robert Ulibarrí, as General Manager. Robert Ulibarrí assumed the position on March 16, 2020, leading Saab’s facility for advanced manufacturing and production for aerospace systems. The facility brings in a new era of U.S.-based advanced manufacturing and innovation through a research partnership with Purdue’s world-leading aerospace engineering program.
Robert most recently served as General Manager for industrial automation at Eckhart USA, based in Columbus, IN. Previously, he has held various leadership positions at Lennox International and Oshkosh Corporation, with an excellent track record. He is a proud Boilermaker and two-time Purdue University graduate, having earned both a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and Technology and Masters of Science in Business Administration.
“With Saab building this state-of-the-art facility in West Lafayette and our partnership with Purdue University, we knew we needed to hire an experienced, forward-thinking General Manager with a relevant Industry 4.0 background and an ingrained understanding of the community. Robert’s background and profile are a perfect match to lead and grow Saab’s Indiana operations,” said Erik Smith, President and CEO of Saab in the U.S.
In the new facility, Saab will manufacture the aft section, fully installed with associated subsystems, of the T-7A Red Hawk advanced pilot trainer aircraft for the United States Air Force in partnership with Boeing. When at full capacity by 2027, Saab will employ over 300 employees in the West Lafayette facility across management, administration, and manufacturing roles. The new flagship facility will utilize advanced manufacturing techniques and leverage research and development to support Saab’s broad product portfolio.
“I am thrilled to work on this groundbreaking project for Saab in support of Indiana, the U.S. Air Force, and future customers. I am humbled and honored to help grow the business and defense industry in Indiana,” said Robert Ulibarrí, new General Manager for Saab’s Aerospace Systems.
For further information, please contact:
Jana Weir Murphy
Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs
202-279-1586
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Saab serves the global market with world-leading products, services and solutions within military defense and civil security. Saab has operations and employees on all continents around the world. Through innovative, collaborative and pragmatic thinking, Saab develops, adopts and improves new technology to meet customers’ changing needs.