The Hughes Manufacturing Facility (EXM) in Germantown, Maryland. Photo: Hughes

Hughes Network Systems has opened a new manufacturing facility and private 5G incubation center in Germantown, Maryland. The Hughes Manufacturing Facility (EXM) will serve as a testing ground for private 5G solutions for enterprise applications and the U.S. Department of Defense.

The center is located next to the Hughes headquarters, in the Pinkney Innovation Complex for Science and Technology on the Montgomery College campus. Hughes said it is the first-ever manufacturing facility on a community college campus in the U.S. 

The company plans to offer hands-on training and educational initiatives for students to develop a pipeline of local technical talent. Students will be able to interact with leading engineers at Hughes through internships, mentoring, and shadowing opportunities.

“Hughes has deep roots in this community. Our capabilities evolved from a long-ago startup in Rockville, Maryland, and we have grown into what is now the leading provider of broadband satellite services, products, and managed network solutions,” said COO Paul Gaske. “The EXM facility allows us to continue a proud tradition of designing and manufacturing leading edge products here in Maryland.”