Comtech relocates its headquarters from New York to Arizona. Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, center left, attended the ribbon-cutting with interim CEO John Ratigan, center. Photo: Copyright Outlive Creative, via Comtech

Comtech has relocated its corporate headquarters from Melville, New York to Chandler, Arizona to invest in the next stage of the company’s growth. 

The company has had a presence in Arizona since the ‘80s and opened up a new office in Chandler in 2023. The corporate headquarters and financial reporting that remained in Long Island, New York is now relocated to Chandler, which is in the Phoenix area.

Comtech announced the decision in March 2024 and held a ribbon-cutting ceremony with local and Arizona government officials on Aug. 16. 

“We’re making a commitment both to Arizona and to the technology that we produce out of this factory,” interim CEO John Ratigan told Via Satellite ahead of the event. 

Comtech produces satellite technology for commercial and defense markets including satellite antennas, modems, amplifiers, and software. The company also has business in public safety and 911 technology. 

Ratigan cited a thriving tech sector and market for tech talent in the Chandler area, with nearby companies including Taiwan Semiconductor and Intel. Comtech plans to increase its hiring in Arizona. 

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs applauded the company’s investment in the state. 

“Comtech’s Chandler headquarters will bring enhanced economic growth opportunities and highlights Arizona’s attractive business environment and reputation as a top hub for innovation and technology,” Hobbs said in a news release. “We are proud to support Comtech in their new chapter.”

Comtech has gone through a number of changes in the past few years with the retirement of longtime CEO Fred Kornberg and a “One Comtech” strategy to unifiy previously siloed business lines. Earlier this year, the company secured a strategic investment and refinanced a credit facility. 

Comtech’s board of directors is looking for a new CEO after Ken Peterman was fired in March. 

Ratigan, who is serving as interim CEO, is one of the candidates. The search is expected to wrap up in the near future. 

Ratigan told Via Satelilte he sees growth potential for the company in the transition to digital interfaces in satellite modems. The company is preparing for a product launch next year in this area. 

“The next major change is that [the output from] the back of the modem will now be digital — ethernet in, ethernet out,” Ratigan says. “Since we control a couple of the pieces of the puzzle, the RF piece, as well as the modem piece, we’re going to make both of those digital interfaces. That is a huge thing.”