Lockheed Martin Pike County Operations opened its new security receiving center this week.

The center provides a place for visitors, new employees and contractors to be processed before entering the facility.

“The center accommodates an increase in site traffic brought by growth in Lockheed Martin’s infrastructure and employee base,” said William Sudlow, communications for Missiles and Fire Control.

The security receiving center was built in part with funds provided as part of economic development package provided through the governor’s office and state agencies.

“The initial funds (from the governor’s office) are enabling us to jumpstart of series of facility improvements that directly support our growing employee base, this center being one,” Sudlow said.

Gov. Robert Bentley was in Troy in February 2015 to announce the partnership, which is expected to generate an additional 240 jobs at Pike County Operations.

As part of its efforts to provide the infrastructure for the expected job growth, Lockheed Martin opened a $16.8 million cruise missile annex in August 2015, which generated 75 new jobs.

Joining Lockheed Martin officials for the ribbon cutting ceremony were U.S. Rep. Martha Roby, R-Alabama, and other community leaders.