More jobs are coming to eastern Kentucky. Gov. Steve Beshear and Congressman Hal Rogers joined company and community leaders today (March 30) to announce that Rajant Corporation will establish a facility in Morehead.
Rajant, a pioneer in providing multi-frequency wireless solutions, plans to create 28 jobs and invest $762,000 into the project.
“I’m excited to welcome Rajant Corporation to the Commonwealth,” said Gov. Beshear. “The company’s wireless solutions are shaping the future of communications, and we are honored that Rajant has chosen eastern Kentucky to take its operations to the next level. This is just further proof that we are making progress in creating quality jobs and opportunities for success in the region.”
“Rajant’s investment in eastern Kentucky speaks volumes for our elite workforce, our high-tech capabilities in the mountains and the leadership of Morehead State University,” said Congressman Rogers. “Together, we’re designing a brighter future filled with greater opportunities and advancements in technology that can compete with the rest of the world.”
Rajant plans to locate in a 9,600-square-foot building on Main Street. The company chose to locate in Morehead because of Morehead State University’s nationally acclaimed Space Science Center. Rajant will partner with MSU on a project to combine Rajant’s radio meshing technology with Morehead’s state-of-the-art microsatellite (CubeSat) technology. Together, they will work to create wireless networks, in space, that will have important commercial and military applications.
“We picked the city of Morehead because we were impressed with the people and capabilities at Morehead State University and its Space Science Center,” said Bob Schena, Rajant’s co-founder and CEO.
“More importantly, it’s because of how supportive the people of Morehead have been – from the school’s administrators to the Southeast Kentucky Economic Development Corporation to the state and local representatives. We have been treated exceptionally well ever since we stepped off the airplane in Kentucky," added Schena.
Rajant’s networks are unlike any other offering on the market today, providing fully mobile wireless broadband connectivity that is simple, instantaneous and fail-proof in any application. Founded in the wake of 9/11, the company’s networks are used by the military, first responders and homeland security, as well as private industries such as mining, transportation and telecommunications.
Economic development and job creation are two main goals of Kentucky’s Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR) Initiative. SOAR has a keen interest in promoting economic growth, job training and education in eastern Kentucky, and seeks alliances with interested businesses and investors to enhance job opportunities in Kentucky’s eastern counties.
“This is an exciting announcement for Rowan County and for our entire region,” said House Majority Floor Leader Rocky Adkins, of Sandy Hook. “Rajant Corporation’s plan to establish a facility in Morehead builds upon the positive growth in the technology and innovation industry that continues to bring new job opportunities to our area.”
“We are extremely excited to once again show the country and the world that Morehead and Rowan County are open for business,” said Morehead Mayor Jim Tom Trent. “The investment that Mr. Schena and Rajant are making in our community is an example of the potential that is here for investors in the aerospace and technology industry.”
“The Rowan County Fiscal Court and I are honored to welcome Rajant Corporation to our community,” said Rowan County Judge-Executive Walter Blevins. “They are truly a professional company whose products set the tone for our country's future. Working in conjunction with our Space Science Center, Rajant will create an environment for 28 good jobs for our region.”
To encourage the investment and job growth in Rowan County, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) preliminarily approved the company for tax incentives up to $300,000 through the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based incentive allows a company to keep a portion of its investment over the term of the agreement through corporate income tax credits and wage assessments by meeting job and investment targets.
(story provided by Governor Steve Beshear's Communications Office)
