A Brookfield building that opened in 2021 as the global headquarters for Branson welding and assembly technologies has sold for $32.5 million and will become the new home of a Virginia-based defense contractor’s Connecticut operations.
Leonardo DRS has leased the approximately 141,000-square-foot property at 120 Park Ridge Road from its new owner, Massachusetts-based Winstanley Enterprises, according to Adam Winstanley, principal of the real estate investment and development firm.
Winstanley confirmed the off-market purchase Wednesday morning.
Leonardo DRS said it will consolidate its Naval Power Systems operations, currently spread across three locations in Danbury and Bethel, into the Brookfield facility. Initial occupancy is expected in early 2027, with limited occupancy possible in late 2026 depending on construction progress.
The Naval Power Systems business develops electric power and propulsion technologies for U.S. Navy nuclear propulsion programs. The company said the new facility will increase production capacity and improve coordination among employees while positioning the business for growth in the commercial nuclear energy sector.
Branson, a welding and assembly technologies business owned by Missouri-based industrial technology company Emerson, debuted the approximately $49 million headquarters in 2021. When announcing the new facility, the company said it would support Branson’s plastic joining, ultrasonic metal welding and ultrasonic cleaning technologies for the medical, textile, automotive, food and beverage, packaging and electronics industries.
It is unclear why Emerson sold the building or what the company’s future plans are for Branson’s Connecticut operations.
Winstanley said Branson is no longer operating from the building. Emerson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Leonardo DRS did not disclose the financial terms of its lease or say whether the consolidation will change its Connecticut workforce.
