CLAY, N.Y. — JMA Wireless has finished a $34 million expansion at its headquarters in the town of Clay and added almost 300 jobs.
The company, a maker of wireless-communication equipment, moved its antenna-systems group operations from Maryland to the local office earlier this year.
The move has already allowed JMA to create 288 new full-time jobs, adding to its existing local workforce of 319, according to the office of Gov. Andrew Cuomo. The governor on Wednesday visited the JMA Wireless HQ in Clay.
The expansion “complements” the Central New York Rising economic-development plan, which is “working to create opportunities throughout the region,” according to Cuomo’s office.
To encourage JMA to move its out-of-state operations to Onondaga County, Empire State Development is providing economic incentives of up to $8 million, with $5 million offered through a capital grant and $3 million through the Excelsior jobs program in exchange for job commitments.
The total project cost is “estimated at a little over $34 million,” Cuomo’s office said.
“JMA’s expansion in Onondaga County is a testament to the success of our regionally-focused economic development strategy, and sends a clear signal that Central New York is open for business,” Cuomo contended in a news release. “By putting in place policies that attract businesses who want to grow and expand in our communities, we are continuing our economic momentum and creating jobs across Upstate New York.”
About JMA Wireless
JMA Wireless — whose corporate name is John Mezzalingua Associates LLC — makes mobile wireless-connectivity products that “ensure infrastructure reliability, streamline service operations, and maximize wireless performance,” Cuomo’s office said.
In addition to the headquarters in Clay, the company also maintains research and development centers in Richmond, Virginia and Chicago, Illinois, along with operations in Bologna, Italy and the Netherlands.
Founded four and a half years ago, JMA has more than 1,000 employees globally, according to Cuomo’s office.
JMA manufactures and supplies connectors, components, radio frequency repeaters, and active distributed antenna systems that “protect and enhance the integrity” of [a] wireless signal.
Its products include compression connectors that provide “water-tight” connection for wireless operators, wireless coverage, and capacity systems.
“As an innovator of wireless technology with deep roots in Central New York, we are proud to build and expand our company here in Central New York. Thanks to Gov. Cuomo’s economic-development initiatives, we have been able to add jobs and make significant investments not only in our company but in our community,” John Mezzalingua, CEO of JMA Wireless, said in Cuomo’s release.
Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com