MOREHEAD, Ky. — After opening its Rowan County operation five years ago, Rajant Corp. is planning a $2 million relocation and expansion project that will result in 26 new full-time jobs. 

 

What You Need To Know


  • Rajant Corp. plans $2 million relocation and expansion project in Rowan County

  • 26 full-time jobs coming to the area

 

“It’s great to see innovative companies growing and reinvesting in the commonwealth creating more good-paying jobs for Kentuckians,” Gov. Andy Beshear (D) said. “Our strong higher education system – with many specialized programs that prepare Kentuckians to work in key industries – helps attract new jobs and foster continued investment. It’s imperative that we continue to attract and grow higher-skill, well-paying careers for Kentuckians while providing the means to educate and train for those positions.” 

Rajant, producer of Kinetic Mesh wireless networks, will move from its current 9,600-square-foot facility in Morehead to a nearby 48,000-square-foot building in the MMRC Industrial Park. The expansion is meant to assist Rajant's efforts to extend the production of products and services with further capabilties while improving commerical and military product lines.

Currently, the company employs 24 people, many of whom graduated from Morehead State University's Space Engineering Program. 

“Rajant was originally attracted to Kentucky due to aerospace advances and more specifically to the Morehead State University Space Science Center, which was brought to our attention by U.S. Congressman Hal Rogers. Rajant’s five-year experience of excellence with the university and within the Morehead business community warrants expansion,” said Robert Schena, Rajant co-founder and CEO.

“The opportunity to increase our manufacturing footprint in Rowan County and hire more local talent is a testament to the resources Kentucky has to offer. The region’s workforce is exceptional for its integrity, drive and enthusiasm. For Rajant’s purposes, we are fortifying continued technology innovations with engineering graduates from Morehead State University and hiring other support personnel to increase the production of goods and services for our global customers.”

State Sen. Stephen West said the presence of Morehead State University is proving itself as a strong resource for economic developments.

“This investment by Rajant Corporation is much-welcomed news as our state looks to recover from the effects COVID-19,” West said. “I think this expansion is a testament to what Kentucky has to offer in innovation and technology, and I commend Morehead State University for continuing to set a high standard. The university is producing some of the brightest minds in the field, helping make the commonwealth a select destination for this type of investment. I appreciate the efforts of all who made this possible for Rowan County.”

Rajant began in Pennsylvania in 2001, and has since developed dozens of products and technologies leveraging the company’s patented InstaMesh® routing protocols. The technology facilitates mobile communications in demanding environments.

Rajant currently operates under contract with U.S. Department of Defense contractors to build wireless communications for voice, data, video and other applications. The company’s commercial markets include mining, ports, transportation, oil and gas, public safety and agriculture, among other industrial applications.

As a way to encourage investment and job growth, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority preliminarily approved a 15-year incentive agreement with Rajant under the Kentucky Business Investment program. The agreement can provide up to $300,000 in tax incentives based on the company's investment of $2 million and annual targets including:

  • creation and maintenance of 26 Kentucky-resident, full-time jobs across 15 years
  • paying those jobs on average hourly wage of $25 including benefits

The company, by meeting its annual targets, can be eligible to keep a portion of the new tax revenue it generates. The company may claim eligible incentives against its income tax liability and/or wage assessments. 

Rajant is also approved for up to $50,000 in tax incentives through the Kentucky Enterprise Act, which allows approved companies to recoup Kentucky sales and use tax on construction costs, building fixtures, equipment used in research and development and electronic processing.

In addition, Rajant can receive resources from the Kentucky Skills Network where companies can receive no-cost recruitment and job placement services, reduced-cost customized training and job training incentives.