80 New Jobs Coming To Germantown As Part Of Defense Company Move

GERMANTOWN, MD — Aerospace and defense company RADA Technologies LLC is set to open its new U.S. headquarters in Germantown later this year, according to Maryland officials.

RADA Technologies — whose parent company is Israeli-based RADA Electronic Industries — opened its first U.S. offices in Silver Spring in early 2018. Looking to expand, the international defense radar company set its eyes on Germantown.

"Given the anticipated growth of RADA Technologies, we felt that being part of Montgomery County was the best decision to enhance our presence in the United States. We are thrilled to be part of a community that houses tremendous technology and the best talent, and to contribute to its economic development," said Bill Watson, CEO of RADA Technologies LLC.

RADA Technologies, which manufactures electronics for aerospace and defense industries, is scheduled to relocate its headquarters to Germantown later this year. The 25,000-square-foot facility on Seneca Meadows Parkway will include a research and development and manufacturing operation.

The company is pumping nearly $4 million into this expansion, and is expected to create 80 new jobs by December 2023.

In a statement published on July 2, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan expressed his support for the move and the impact it will have on the Germantown area.

"We are proud that RADA Technologies chose Maryland for its U.S. subsidiary and now plans to expand and add jobs," said Hogan. "For global companies like RADA, Maryland serves as an excellent gateway to the North American market, including the U.S. military."

To assist with project costs, the state's Department of Commerce has green-lighted a $300,000 conditional loan through Advantage Maryland. According to Hogan's office, RADA Technologies is also eligible for state tax credits, including the More Jobs for Marylanders program and the state's Job Creation Tax Credit.

The Old Line State is home to 15 of the top 20 aerospace and defense companies, according to Commerce Secretary Kelly M. Schultz.

Schultz called the move "exciting" and said that the state will offer unique advantages to RADA Technologies, given its highly educated workforce and proximity to federal and military facilities.

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich said the expansion to Germantown speaks to the region's ability to help grow international technology businesses.

"The decision by RADA Technologies to expand in our community was supported by a County-State partnership designed to assist this global company with its workforce, technology and space needs. Their expansion is a testament to Montgomery County's ability to help grow technology-based international businesses."