“We’re grateful for their investment in Prescott and look forward to their continued expansion.”
CP Tech personnel greeted industry and business leaders and invited guests at the Wednesday, June 9, event at 2620 Deep Well Road on the north edge of Prescott. The program was planned by the Prescott Chamber of Commerce and moderated by long-time Chamber member Sanford Cohen. Several speakers told the crowd about the expected economic impact CP Tech would have on the region and Arizona.
“What we’re seeing here in Prescott and Arizona is the midst of a manufacturing boom,” said Governor Doug Ducey to the 150 or so guests. He praised Prescott leaders for their aggressive support in enticing CP Tech to make Prescott its North American headquarters. “We’re grateful for their investment in Prescott and look forward to their continued expansion.”
The governor also welcomed Dr. Uzi Landau, chair of Rafael Advanced Defense Systems (Rafael) from Haifa, Israel; Moshe Elazar, CP Aeronautics president and CEO; and Mike McCormack, CP Technologies president and CEO, who brought the firm to Prescott from San Diego, where it had operated for 24 years.
Landau told the crowd that CP Tech is owned by Aeronautics Ltd., an international firm that is 50% owned by Rafael and 50% by private investor Avichay Stolero. It was emphasized that CP North America is independently operated in Arizona. CP North America encompasses a family of brands like CP Technologies, CP Systems and CP Aeronautics. Prescott is now home for all three divisions.
Also speaking was Moshe Elazar, recently appointed president and CEO of CP Aeronautics. He said he and his colleagues feel at home in Prescott and are proud to be part of the local community. “We want to play a role as an essential economic player in Arizona.”
McCormack told the crowd that locating to Arizona was a “no-brainer.” He said five states had tried to recruit CP Tech to relocate but that Prescott was, without hesitation, the best choice. “Opening this facility marks a major milestone for the CP brand and provides the needed expansion of our capabilities as a manufacturer to serve our customers worldwide.”
McCormack has a long history of being involved with the defense industry. He served in the U.S. Air Force as an Airborne Command Post Communications Systems Engineer. He also has management experience with major defense and industrial firms that designed and manufactured a wide range of products for defense and aerospace.
Prescott Mayor Greg Mengarelli thanked Gov. Ducey and other state officials for their support. He also expressed gratitude to the local educational and business community, noting that Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Yavapai College were strong advocates for bringing CP Tech to Prescott. He also thanked Sandra Watson of the Arizona Commerce Authority for her support.
“Make no mistake. It is a new day in Prescott in having this company here as the national headquarters,” he said.
Expansion Anticipated
Following the formal program, CP Tech staff members led visitors on a guided tour of the complex. During that tour, it was noted that other high-tech firms – some international – will soon be partnering with the company.
The 50,000-square-foot facility will manufacture high performance computer platforms, custom military, industrial computers, monitors and keyboards for military and commercial markets. That includes the production of world-class combat-proven Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for defense, federal and commercial customers, according to Mark Kempf, vice president of CP Tech.
In another example, CP Tech announced it has teamed with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems to design and manufacture the Portable Aircraft Control Station (PACS) for the U.S. Air Force. PACS is a rugged system expected to perform direct connections with aircraft in pre- and post-flight operations and engine functions. CP Tech personnel say PACS will provide a compact, yet cost-effective solution for the Air Force.
Dozens of former California employees have relocated to Prescott, Kempf said. He indicated that at least 150 employees would be in place within the next two years.
“We want to build another 50,000-square-foot complex next door, but we need to get the current facility fully loaded first,” said Kempf. He estimated by 2024, CP North America will offer complete end-to-end manufacturing capabilities. He also estimated that even more high-tech employees will be recruited. QCBN
By Ray Newton, QCBN
For more information, visit cptechusa.com.