Hughes Network Systems, an EchoStar company (NASDAQ: SATS), opened a new manufacturing facility and private 5G incubation center in Germantown, MD. The company says this underscores its long-standing commitment to technological advancement and fostering local talent in the region. The Hughes Manufacturing Facility (EXM) supplies networks with U.S.-made hardware on which enterprises, governments and individuals depend, like the Hughes HT3000W JUPITER™ System satellite modem and the Hughes HL1120W Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite terminal.
In addition to about 400 engineers, technicians and manufacturing staff, the Hughes EXM facility uses robotics to help the manufacture of satellite modems and terminals. The EXM facility is also a testing ground for private 5G solutions just now reaching the market for Enterprise applications as well as secure 5G networking applications critical to the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD).
“Hughes has deep roots in this community, evolving from a long-ago startup in Rockville, MD, and growing into what is now the leading provider of broadband satellite services, products, and managed network solutions,” said Hughes COO Paul Gaske. “The EXM facility allows us to continue a proud tradition of designing and manufacturing cutting edge products here in Maryland.”
Located in the Pinkney Innovation Complex for Science and Technology on the Montgomery College campus, the new manufacturing center will offer hands-on training and educational initiatives for students, helping to develop a pipeline of local technical talent. Students will be able to interact with engineers at Hughes through internships, mentoring, and shadowing opportunities. The company says the 140,000-square-foot space is the “first-ever manufacturing facility on a community college campus in the U.S.”
As a satellite technology and managed service provider for government entities and defense agencies, Hughes will use the new manufacturing center to provide the DoD with much-needed “secure onshore manufacturing capabilities. The opening of EXM solidifies our dedication to technological innovation, engineering expertise, and fostering the next generation of industry leaders,” said EchoStar President Hamid Akhavan. “The products imagined, designed, and fabricated in this building further advance our mission of connecting everyone, everywhere.”
By Leslie Stimson, Inside Towers Washington Bureau Chief
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