The Connection

There’s good news for Fairfax County and the Sully District in particular. Trident Systems is investing $3.7 million to expand capacity at its operation in Chantilly for the production of space electronic systems. It’s located at 3810 Concorde Pkwy., No. 2200. 

Under the umbrella of LightRidge Solutions Co., Trident is already a leader in multi-function space electronics and integrated C4ISR (command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) solutions. 

And now, its newest action will enable it to develop space electronic systems for the federal government, Department of Defense and U.S. Intelligence community. This undertaking is anticipated to create approximately 50 new jobs. 

“Trident’s rapid growth [in] providing unique solutions that maximize our customers’ mission-impact enabled the need for this higher-volume production facility,” explained Lorin Hattrup, general manager, Trident Systems Space Electronic Systems. “We are excited to expand our presence in Virginia supporting our nation’s critical space needs. Our new production facility will allow us to support a range of products on rapid timelines, while maintaining affordability.”

To make this project a reality here, the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (EDA) worked with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) to obtain it for both the county and the commonwealth. According to a county press release, “VEDP will support Trident System’s job creation via the Virginia Jobs Investment Program, which provides consultative services and funding to companies creating new jobs to support employee recruitment and training activities.”

As a business incentive supporting economic development, this jobs investment program is geared to decrease the human-resource costs of new and expanding companies. And since it’s state-funded, it also exemplifies Virginia’s commitment to enhancing job opportunities for its citizens.

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin made the announcement about Trident’s multimillion-dollar investment in its Chantilly facility on Feb. 13. “Trident Systems’ expansion demonstrates the strength of the Commonwealth’s aerospace and tech ecosystem,” he said. “This homegrown Fairfax County company has grown its business in the Commonwealth for nearly 30 years, and its continued innovation in space electronics is at the heart of this production expansion to serve the defense and intelligence communities.”

Pleased, as well, was Supervisor Kathy Smith (D-Sully). “I want to thank Trident Systems for choosing Fairfax County as you keep growing and contributing to the diversity of our economy,” she said. “Your growth adds to our world-class space sector, and we look forward to supporting your success for years to come.”

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay was equally happy. “Congratulations to the entire Trident Systems team as you expand your operations and continue to prosper here in Northern Virginia,” he said. “Your growth is yet another shining example of how companies supporting mission-critical operations in the space sector innovate and thrive in Fairfax County.”

Trident has cemented its reputation as an innovative trailblazer in its field for more than three decades. According to the county’s Economic Development Authority, “Using a rapid response, radiation effects-mitigated design approach for deployment in harsh environments, Trident has delivered semi-custom, high-performance, radio frequency and processing solutions at significantly lower costs than traditional space products.”

For more information, go to www.tridsys.com.

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The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority promotes this county as one of the world’s top locations for business and talent. It offers site-location and business-development assistance, plus connections with county and state government agencies, to encourage companies to locate and expand in Fairfax County.