HUNTSVILLE — It takes the “right stuff” to be a successful company for 26 years.
At a ribbon-cutting Monday at Cummings Research Park, Radiance Technologies celebrated the company’s newest facility with praise for Huntsville and the employees.
“The keys to Radiance’s success are the right place at the right time and with the right stuff,” said CEO Bill Bailey.
Bailey said there’s no better place in the world to start a company than Huntsville, Alabama. But there’s one more crucial ingredient.
“So the right place, the right time, and then we got the right stuff,” he said. “And that right stuff is employee ownership.”
Employee ownership allows a company’s employees to own shares in their company.
“We’re 100% owned by our employees,” Bailey said. “Nobody owns stock in Radiance except for somebody who has been an employee. And that motivates people. That gives people purpose.
“You know, in today’s world, they say the thing that drives the younger generation is purpose. And, so, the employee ownership provides that.”
A Huntsville-based defense contractor, Radiance Technologies was founded in 1999 and is now in 10 states and has grown to almost 1,000 employees. Bailey said the new facility will be more project and research-oriented.
“This represents about $100 million in investment in North Alabama with Radiance Technologies,” said Bailey. “In this place we will be developing advanced technologies, interfacing with advanced weapon systems, a lot of cyber related technologies, a high power microwave, that kind of stuff. So, we will be developing and maturing technologies which will give our war fighter a cutting edge.”
Radiance is a vital force in the defense, aerospace, and technology sectors, offering expertise in areas such as software engineering, cybersecurity, modeling and simulation, systems engineering, and mission-critical technologies.
Speaking at the event, U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt said Radiance is at the forefront for cutting edge defense solutions, ensuring our men and women in uniform have the tools they need to keep our nation safe.
“This facility represents new opportunities, new jobs, and a continued commitment to excellence in the defense community,” said Aderholt (R-Haleyville). “Investments are being made here that align directly with our National Defense strategy by enhancing our technology edges, bolstering our nation’s security, and ensuring that America remains prepared for the challenges of the future.”
U.S. Rep. Dale Strong said the warfighter depends on North Alabama in many facets.
“Radiance does great work for our national security, the US War Fighter, Intelligence, Cyber, Directed Energy, AI, Hypersonics and Space working to make sure the rest of the country knows what Huntsville and Radiance has to offer,” said Strong (R-Monrovia). “If you look at the different projects they have here, each one of them are working to make America safer.”
Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle said the Radiance team is a team that has always been known to be a center of excellence for our community.
“What you’re doing today is making America strong for the future,” he said. “Thank you for the job that y’all are doing. Thank you for the support of Huntsville industry and thank you for making this a great place to live, work and play.”
At the ceremony, Radiance was also recognized for its role in supporting the community. Presenting a plaque to CEO Bill Bailey, Chair of the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber Jeff Samz praised Radiance for the support they provide.
“The company is also one that gives back to the community,” Samz said. “And in my day job, I work with the Huntsville Hospital Health System and we’re one of the organizations they support. And they do that for many, many people across the community.
“A company that’s not only dedicated to national security but also making this a better place to live here locally.”
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