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Adtran, a leading US telecommunications equipment provider, has announced a significant investment of up to million at its manufacturing facility in Huntsville, Alabama. The purpose of this investment is to expand the production capacity of advanced telecommunications equipment in the United States.

The expansion is a response to the increasing demand for domestically produced network electronics, driven by the Biden-Harris Administration’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Programme, which has a budget of .45 billion. Adtran’s investment will lead to the creation of up to 300 new jobs, building on its existing workforce of over 1,400 employees.

Adtran’s manufacturing facility will focus on expanding the production of optical line termination (OLT) equipment and onshoring the manufacturing of optical network terminals (ONTs). By doing so, the company aims to support the efforts of state broadband offices and network operators in providing secure, high-speed internet access to millions of Americans.

As part of this development, Adtran welcomed senior advisor to the president and White House infrastructure coordinator, Mitch Landrieu, and assistant secretary of commerce for communications and information and NTIA administrator, Alan Davidson, for a tour of its 270,000-square-foot facility.

CEO Tom Stanton expressed enthusiasm about partnering with state broadband offices and network operators across the country to expand internet access. He emphasized that this expansion demonstrates Adtran’s commitment to strengthening the domestic supply chain and securing communications networks with American-made equipment.

Adtran is also investing in the community by collaborating with local schools for its high school apprenticeship program and establishing a co-op program for college students. The company takes pride in its diverse workforce, with over 40% of its manufacturing team comprising people of color and one-third identifying as African American. Additionally, 57% of manufacturing employees are women, exceeding the industry average.

This investment aligns with President Biden’s effort to promote domestic manufacturing and expand access to high-speed internet networks built with American labor and equipment. The initiative not only focuses on connectivity but also job creation in the network and equipment manufacturing sectors.

The announcement has been praised by US Secretary of Commerce, Gina Raimondo, who views it as a testament to the government’s commitment to increase manufacturing across the country. Alan Davidson, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator, believes that if network equipment can be made in America, it should be made in America, and Adtran’s investment is a response to that call.

Mitch Landrieu, Senior Advisor to the President and White House Infrastructure Coordinator, emphasizes the importance of high-speed internet access as an essential tool for education, healthcare, and employment. He sees President Biden’s Investing in America agenda as a way to provide affordable, reliable internet using American materials and praises Adtran’s announcement as part of a growing manufacturing boom that creates well-paying jobs and boosts the economy.

These investments will help ensure that broadband reaches more Americans, supporting economic growth not only in Huntsville, Alabama but in the entire United States.

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