The City of Jacksonville announced Tuesday that Opto-Knowledge Systems, Inc. (OKSI) will expand its manufacturing operations into Jacksonville with an estimated $5.4 million capital investment and plans to create approximately 200 new jobs over the next 3 years.
The Los Angeles-based defense and aerospace technology company will establish operations at 2000 Redmond Road in Jacksonville’s industrial park. Groundbreaking is expected to take place in August, with operations scheduled to begin in 2026 following facility improvements and equipment installation.
OKSI has spent more than 35 years developing advanced technologies including artificial intelligence, machine learning, autonomous systems, advanced sensors, electro-optical and infrared systems, and precision guidance technologies for the defense and aerospace industries. The company has supported missions ranging from battlefield operations to deep-space exploration.
Most recently, OKSI contributed technology to NASA’s Artemis II lunar flyby mission, providing scientific imaging technology used during observation of the Orion spacecraft’s atmospheric reentry.
Company officials said Jacksonville was selected because of its strong manufacturing workforce, strategic location and ability to support expanding defense production.
OKSI Chief Executive Officer Chris HolmesParker, PhD, said the company’s precision guidance technology is helping provide more affordable and effective defense solutions against unmanned aircraft systems.
Executive Vice President Ilana Gat, PhD, said Jacksonville offers the manufacturing base and workforce needed to support scalable defense production.
Vice President of Operations Jeff Raymond said he was impressed with Jacksonville after visiting the city, saying the community and family atmosphere reinforced the company’s decision to locate there.
Mayor Jeff Elmore welcomed the investment, calling it another milestone in Jacksonville’s growing role as a center for manufacturing and defense technology.
Economic Development Director Robert Birch said the expansion will create highly skilled careers in manufacturing, engineering, artificial intelligence, systems integration and program management. Annual salaries are expected to range from approximately $45,000 to $153,000.
City officials credited the Arkansas Economic Development Commission and Stuart Mackey of the Hathaway Group for helping make the project possible.
Construction is expected to begin later this summer, with hiring anticipated as operations ramp up during 2026.
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