Schumer Announces Harris Radio to Receive $403 Million Job-Sustaining Defense Contract to Manufacture Critical Spare Radios and Parts Needed to Keep Communication Systems for Troops Up to Date
Statement
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced that Harris Radio in Rochester will receive a $403 million contract from the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) to manufacture tactical radio spares and components for the Land and Maritime section and the United States Army Communications-Electronics Command.
"This massive, and well-earned, $403 million contract will support existing jobs at Harris. Harris Radio has proven, again and again, that they are capable of making superior radios spares and critical components for the most elite military in the world. Their radios are durable, dependable, and innovative, which means they have a long useful life to support some of the toughest missions around the globe," said Schumer. "This contract will allow Harris and its top-notch employees to manufacture the critical equipment needed for our dedicated men and women serving overseas."
Schumer fought long and hard to keep Harris Corp and its local subsidiary in Rochester advocating for their programs during the Congressional appropriations process and working with the Department of Defense to ensure their products were being utilized by the military. In 2015 Schumer helped Harris bring a new SINCGARS Radio Manufacturing Line to Rochester. The "SINCGARS" manufacturing line was officially installed at the Jefferson Road facility in Rochester in 2016 and it supports 150 local jobs. Harris consolidated and moved this line from out of state to Rochester with the support of Senator Schumer following Harris' 2015 acquisition of Exelis. Following Harris' acquisition of Exelis Schumer urged Harris to expand in Rochester. Schumer organized a meeting in his Rochester Regional Office to bring Harris officials together with state economic development representatives for the first time in order secure this new SINCGAR production line.
Source