The Boeing Co. [BA] is moving its Missile Defense Systems (MDS) division headquarters from Arlington, Va., to Huntsville, Ala.

Initially, Boeing will shift division management and support functions, such as human resources and finance, to Huntsville, and will evaluate moving other employees currently working on MDS programs in Arlington. Between 40 and 50 positions may be transferred by the end of this year.

"Huntsville is a leader in the aerospace industry, and Boeing is proud of its 47-year partnership with this community, which now includes work on defense, space and commercial programs," said Greg Hyslop, vice president and general manager for Boeing Missile Defense Systems. "Our customers have been locating more of their personnel and operations in this community, so now is the right time for us to center our missile defense business here as well. We want to remain close to our customers and the vital national-security programs Boeing employees support."

The company already has facilities in Huntsville and Alabama.

"Boeing already has 3,200 highly skilled employees and numerous program partners in Alabama," said Greg Hyslop, vice president and general manager for Boeing Missile Defense Systems.