Radio manufacturer expands to meet military demand

Harris Corporation is expanding manufacturing capacity and increasing employment at its RF Communications Division in Rochester, N.Y., to meet the growing demand for the company's advanced military communications solutions. Harris is significantly increasing the manufacturing capacity of the Rochester facility, where company employees and government officials gathered June 26 to mark the expansion.

"This investment in state-of-the-art technology supports our division's growing product and customer base and demonstrates our commitment and proven ability to serve the U.S. Department of Defense and international customers," said Al Simon, vice president of operations, Harris RF Communications Division. "We take a commercial approach to manufacturing by building radios in anticipation of customer requirements. This ensures on-time deliveries, even on very short deadlines. In addition to the increased space and expanded product lines, our continuous attention to process improvement further streamlines production and reduces the time to market for new products."

Harris is a major tactical communications supplier to all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces and allied nations worldwide. During the first three quarters of fiscal year 2006, revenue in the RF Communications Division was up 52 percent, compared to the prior-year period, as a result of demand for its Falcon family of tactical radios, including the AN/PRC-150, AN/PRC- 152, and AN/PRC-117F radio systems.

Harris will add about 200 new jobs between now and the end of calendar year 2006, bringing the company's total employment in Rochester to approximately 2,200 people.

"We have made a strong commitment to the Rochester community," said Chet Massari, president, RF Communications Division. "We announced plans last July to add 150 jobs and we are proud to have added more than 200. Harris has grown employment substantially in the last two years, and we will continue to draw on seasoned, local talent."

Harris RF Communications is a leading supplier of secure voice and data communications products, systems, and networks to military, government, and commercial organizations worldwide. Harris is an international communications and information technology company serving government and commercial markets in more than 150 countries. With headquarters in Melbourne, Fla., the company has annual sales of over $3 billion and more than 13,000 employees - including 5,500 engineers and scientists - dedicated to the development of best-in-class assured communications products, systems and services.