Northrop Grumman Marine Systems Celebrates 100 Years

A 50-year-old business forced to rebuild after its factories were destroyed in the great San Francisco earthquake of 1906 now celebrates its 100th anniversary at its second home here in Sunnyvale. Northrop Grumman Corporation's Marine Systems business unit is a provider of missile launch systems, propulsion systems and power generation systems for naval submarines and surface ships.

In 1906, it was known as the Joshua Hendy Iron Works, and specialized in building mining and energy systems. After the earthquake, the company was offered 32 free acres of agricultural land by the Sunnyvale Land Company, which was eager to attract industry to the young community to promote population growth. Company president John Hendy, nephew of the founder, accepted the offer and new facilities were built along the Southern Pacific Railroad's main line.