Charleston region attracts Smartech division of Jackson and Tull Engineering

For Immediate Release
NULL
September 1, 2000

NORTH CHARLESTON, SC – The Charleston Region has attracted the SMARTech Division of Jackson and Tull, a Washington, DC-based aerospace engineering firm. Jackson and Tull is investing over $750,000 in the local region and will create 12 new, direct jobs in 2000, expanding to over 25 jobs in 2001.

SMARTech, the newest Jackson and Tull Division, manufactures and markets a state-of-the-art line of satellite earth stations: SMART Stationsª. The SMART Stationsª incorporate 4′ to 20′ diameter antennas, SMART Antennasª, which track satellites, spacecraft and launch vehicles. The SMARTech Division’s customers include space agencies such as NASA and ESA (European Space Agency); private companies such as Lockheed Martin and Orbital Sciences Corporation; and universities throughout the world.

Jackson and Tull’s SMARTech Division has installed over 120 stations in more than 30 countries, and expects to double this number over the next three years. The stations are used to communicate with space-based vehicles, ranging from weather satellites to the Space Shuttle to the Mars Orbiter spacecraft.

Today’s announcement was facilitated by the Charleston Regional Development Alliance, whose role is to attract new business investment for the tri-county region.

“We are pleased and proud to know that a company with such a technical orientation and vision for the future would feel so at home in the Charleston region,” said William A. Moody, chairman of the Alliance. “Indeed, this Alliance aims to grow this region’s population of technologically-oriented companies, and today’s announcement is testament to our ability to do that.”

Kevin Davis, Division Director, noted that locating the SMARTech Division in the Charleston region is an important step for Jackson and Tull. “Charleston is a very good site for high-tech companies, especially aerospace companies. The region provides a strong technical workforce, good access to shipping routes, low manufacturing overhead, and lots of room for expansion. Charleston also has an airport that provides a lot more services than airports at other cities of similar size, a requirement for companies doing business overseas. On top of all this, Charleston is a great place to live.”

In welcoming the company’s commitment to the region, Berkeley County Supervisor and County Council Chairman, Jim Rozier, noted that Jackson and Tull’s SMARTech Division finds good company in the area. “Berkeley County continues to attract and retain world-class companies. Our strategy to bring better jobs to this region is made real in today’s announcement. Welcome, Jackson and Tull.”

The Alliance works with a number of partners and organizations to facilitate new company announcements and competitive expansions. One major partnership is with the South Carolina Department of Commerce.

“Jackson and Tull’s investment today demonstrates that the Charleston region’s team effort continues to win,” said Secretary of Commerce Charles S. Way, Jr. “This announcement will add to the success of the Lowcountry while providing Jackson and Tull with the best financial climate to achieve their business expectations.”

The Charleston Regional Development Alliance represents Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties. Its mission is to broaden and diversify business investment in this region, with a new emphasis on technology-intensive business sectors. Since its inception, the Alliance has worked with thousands of companies to help promote business investment and quality growth in the area.

For more information on the Alliance, browse www.crda.org. For more information on the SMARTech Division, browse the Jackson and Tull website at www.jnt.com.

Back To The Top