Raytheon Missile Systems executives say the future of the company's plant in East Camden appears to be assured for years to come.
The 150 workers at the plant gathered Tuesday to celebrate the 1,000th ESSM to roll off its assembly line. The Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile is used by ships to shoot down incoming projectiles and is used by the United States and many of its allies.
The missile is one of several tested and delivered by the plant, which also makes Tomahawk cruise missiles and Standard missiles. New generations of missiles are planned at the plant.
East Camden is home to a number of defense contractors, including Lockheed Martin, Hughes Missile Systems and others.
Waltham, Mass.-based Raytheon Co. had 2008 sales of $23 billion.