JMA Wireless formally opens HQ, manufacturing facility just south of downtown Syracuse

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — JMA Wireless, a company specializing in 5G-wireless technology, on Thursday formally opened its new headquarters and manufacturing facility at 140 Cortland Ave. in Syracuse, just south of the downtown area.

JMA plans to invest $100 million in the multi-phase project, the office of Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Thursday. Hochul visited the facility for the event to mark the conclusion of the project’s first phase.

The project is described as the “factory of the future and only U.S.-owned 5G campus in the United States,” per Hochul’s office.

The sprawling campus, spanning a city block, currently houses JMA’s headquarters and manufacturing facility. JMA manufactures its most advanced 5G equipment at the site, including radios, embedded antennas, and millimeter-wave products.

“This is an historic moment and the critical first step to restoring American leadership in global wireless technology, as we establish Syracuse as a national 5G hub,” John Mezzalingua, CEO of JMA Wireless, said. “We appreciate Governor Hochul’s partnership as we add more than 200 jobs and invest over $100 million in Central New York.”

The state-supported project complements efforts by the City of Syracuse and Onondaga County to develop a strong tech corridor from downtown into the South Side. The effort is aimed at “making Central New York a center for 5G and smart city development,” Hochul’s office said.

It’s expected that the project will create more than 200 jobs in a “distressed neighborhood” adjacent to downtown. These jobs will range from entry level to advanced engineering.

Empire State Development is providing a $5 million Upstate Revitalization Initiative grant to assist with this project.

Additionally, in 2017, JMA invested $34 million to relocate its out-of-state operations to the town of Clay. The company exceeded its hiring commitment of 145 jobs, creating more than 200 new jobs at that location as well as “meeting the investment commitment in half the expected time,” per Hochul’s office.