Grand Opening of High-Tech Manufacturing Facility at Germantown Campus
Ribbon-cutting officials (left to right): Gabe Albornoz, Montgomery County Council; Gloria Aparicio Blackwell, MC Board of Trustees; Dawn Luedtke, Montgomery County Council; Robert Scheer, president, Scheer Partners; Paul Gaske, chief operation officer, Hughes Network Systems; Hercules Pinkney, MC president emeritus; Gail Wasserman, chair, PIC MC Foundation Board; Dr. Jermaine Williams, MC president; Marc Elrich, Montgomery County executive; Laurie-Anne Sayles, Montgomery County Council; Gregory Wims, delegate, District 39; Thomas Luginbill, PIC MC executive director
Montgomery College, Minkoff Development, and South Duvall announced the grand opening of Hughes Network Systems, LLC's at a ribbon cutting ceremony held April 26. The cutting-edge manufacturing facility at Montgomery College’s Germantown Campus, a 140,000-square-foot build-to-suit project, marks a significant milestone in technological advancement and collaboration.
“This dynamic partnership underscores our steadfast commitment to Montgomery County and propels us forward in our mission to connect the unconnected worldwide with groundbreaking satellite and networking solutions,” said Jim Muir, III, vice president, corporate real estate at Hughes. “We're eager to open our doors to MC students, fostering a spirit of learning and growth, and continuing to engage with the vibrant community that surrounds us.”
Located at 19710 Observation Drive in Germantown, Maryland, adjacent to the Hughes headquarters complex, the new facility is poised to revolutionize satellite broadband and networking equipment production, cementing Montgomery County's reputation as a hub for innovation.
Laurie-Anne Sayles, Montgomery County councilmember, with Dr. Hercules Pinkney, MC president emeritus (2009-2010). During his tenure as Germantown Campus vice president and provost, Pinkney served as the College’s point person for development of the integrated academic, business, and research environment at Germantown now known as PIC MC, or the Pinkney Innovation Complex for Science and Technology.
Responding to an RFP from the Pinkney Innovation Complex for Science and Technology (PIC MC) in 2018, Minkoff Development and South Duvall secured exclusive development rights and a long-term ground lease for this transformative project, strategically positioned within a RISE & Opportunity zone.
"Hughes is a beacon of innovation in satellite and networking technologies, and we're proud to play a part in their continued success,” said Andy Chod, co-president of Minkoff Development. “This collaboration highlights the power of partnership in driving progress and prosperity.”
As part of the collaboration, Hughes and Montgomery College (MC) will continue to join forces on training and educational initiatives.
“Montgomery College is proud to partner with Hughes on our Germantown Campus,” said Jermaine F. Williams, president of Montgomery College. “The arrival of this facility will create new opportunities for student internships, mentoring, and potential employment. The College is proud to contribute to the pipeline of highly skilled talent fueling the local workforce.”
“We're filled with optimism and hope as we embark on this transformative partnership with Hughes,” said Tommy Luginbill, executive director, Pinkney Innovation Complex for Science and Technology. “This endeavor symbolizes the boundless potential for innovation and collaboration that exists within our community.”
Hughes Network Systems, LLC, a satellite and multi-transport technologies and networks manufacturer, will house production of its satellite broadband and network equipment at its new building on the MC Germantown Campus.
“Hughes and Montgomery College are both anchors of the Montgomery County community and we are grateful to have been able to play a role in their collaboration,” said Matthew Brown of South Duvall. “This facility highlights the County’s position as a strategic location for high-tech companies.”
Scheer Partners, led by Henry Bernstein, Matt Brady, and Aaron Gambini, spearheaded the building's leasing efforts, while Kevin Wille, Nadia Kahler, and Brad Wilner of CBRE represented Hughes.