A Canadian company that makes electronic systems for airplanes is swooping into Reston.
CMC Electronics will invest $5 million to establish an office and research and development facility in Reston, bringing 89 new jobs with plans for more positions as it builds up its operations in the area, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced on Friday (Nov. 1).
“CMC Electronics’ decision to invest $5 million and establish its new facilities in Fairfax County underscores Virginia’s position as a leader in aerospace innovation,” Youngkin said in a press release. “This creation of new high-tech jobs demonstrates the strength of our Commonwealth’s talent pipeline and our commitment to fostering cutting-edge industries.”
Based in Montreal, where its first factory opened in 1909, CMC Electronics started out as a wireless telegraph company before developing the world’s first FM-CW Doppler radar in 1957 and shifting its focus to aircraft navigation and communications systems from then on, according to the official history on its website.
Now owned by the Cleveland, Ohio-based aerospace parts manufacturer TransDigm, the company already has a physical presence in the U.S. with an office in Sugar Grove, Illinois.
CMC Electronics Pierre Rossignol said the company chose a site in Reston for its third office to get “closer to one of the world’s largest defense markets” and enhance its ability to serve U.S. customers. In addition to military planes and helicopters, it supplies navigation systems, cockpit displays, computers and other technology for civilian helicopters, commercial airplanes and drones.
“This new office will enable us to attract top-tier talent, accelerate innovation, and deliver even greater value to our customers,” Rossignol said. “By expanding our presence, we are reinforcing our commitment to growth and continuing to provide cutting-edge avionics solutions that meet the evolving needs of the aerospace and defense industries. We are thrilled to be joining the vibrant Reston community and are excited about the opportunities this expansion brings.”
The release didn’t specify where in Reston CMC’s facility will be located, but the Washington Business Journal reported that it will occupy under 6,600 square feet in an existing building.
The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) worked with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) to attract CMC Electronics to Reston — with an assist from Youngkin, who approved a $300,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund.
The company will also qualify for a $1,000 state tax credit for businesses that create new, full-time jobs, and its employee recruitment and training efforts will be supportedy by funds and services from the Virginia Jobs Investment Program (VJIP), according to the press release.
“We are honored to welcome CMC Electronics to Fairfax County,” FCEDA President and CEO Victor Hoskins said. “Their U.S. expansion is taking place at the heart of the Dulles Tech Corridor which offers national and global connectivity to key industry partners, and strategic access to customers and decision makers. It will be our privilege to continue to support the CMC Electronics team on their future growth.”
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay and Reston’s state legislators also welcomed the manufacturer. From the VEDP’s press release:
“I am thrilled that CMC Electronics has chosen Reston as the location for their U.S. expansion and continued global growth,” said Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay. “CMC Electronics choosing Fairfax County is yet another testament to how business-friendly policies, a robust talent pipeline that supports innovation, and our unmatched quality of life is a winning combination for maintaining our status as the premiere destination for starting, locating, and growing your business.”
“I’m delighted to welcome CMC Electronics to Reston. This company, founded in the early 1900’s, now designs and manufactures cutting-edge commercial and military avionics,” said Senator Jennifer Boysko. “With the addition of new jobs and an investment of $5 million, this is the type of business that is a good fit in our community.”
“We’re thrilled to welcome CMC Electronics to Reston,” said Delegate Karen Keys-Gamarra. “With new jobs on the horizon, Reston’s role as a technology and research hub continues to expand. We’re proud that Virginia was selected over other strong contenders—Alabama, Florida, and Maryland—and we look forward to supporting CMC Electronics as they join our dynamic community!”
Photo via Rodrigo Soares on Unsplash
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