Case Study
Recon-RF expands San Diego R&D operations; sets sights on continued business growth
ServiceExpansion Services/Site Selection
ServiceEconomic Incentive Consulting
San Diego-based Recon-RF designs and manufactures state-of-the-art radio frequency (RF) products, such as amplifiers, transmitters and receivers, and RF integrated circuits with end applications including 5G base stations, cellphones, satellites, Air Force jets, and more, facilitating the communications and infrastructure that better our lives.
Connected through California Manufacturing Technology Consulting (CMTC), Recon-RF reached out to EDC for site selection assistance. The company wanted to expand its operations within San Diego and scale its lab spaces and manufacturing facilities to bring on new capabilities and further capitalize on the region’s excellent talent pipeline – taking advantage of candidates coming from UCSD, USD, SDSU, and several of the area’s local community colleges, as well as the highly-talented pool of local military veterans.
COMPANY
CHALLENGE
San Diego-based Recon-RF needed to find a larger site that would enable expansion of its design, manufacturing, and R&D lab space, and allow for further capital investments into additional equipment and machinery such as wire bond machines, die placement machines, RF-microwave test equipment, and more.
This relocation would enable Recon-RF to better support its commercial wireless, DoD, and space customers by hiring on more employees and making the investments needed to expand operations for the design and manufacture of wireless components for high-volume and high-performance applications.
SOLUTION AND SUPPORT PROVIDED
With an understanding of Recon-RF’s needs for space in a desirable area to help recruit talent, EDC’s Economic Development team compiled a variety of appropriate site options throughout San Diego region, from North to South County.
To support the company’s continued growth and manufacturing resiliency after the move, EDC also shared information on a variety of regional and state business incentive programs, and the company ultimately applied to receive a California Competes Tax Credit with the guidance provided.
RESULT
From the site list EDC initially provided, Recon-RF ultimately signed a lease for its new 5,000+ square foot site in San Diego’s UTC/Sorrento Valley innovation hub. The company will fully move in by May 2021.
Enabled by the new space, the company will ramp up its design, manufacturing, and assembly capabilities to support several ongoing and upcoming commercial, defense, and space contracts, and plans to continue increasing its engineering workforce in 2021-2022 with the addition of several additional RF design engineers, assemblers, and technicians.
“With EDC’s support, we relocated a highly functional technology space in San Diego, learned about key business incentives and resources, and are looking forward to additional opportunities for regional engagement that will drive the continued and rapid growth of Recon-RF.”
-Nick Chopra, CTO, Recon-RF
CONNECT WITH RECON-RF
- Website: reconrf.com