High-tech security and AI solutions firm Eccalon, a defense industry specialist with contracts that include work at the Pentagon, will establish its corporate headquarters and create up to 800 new jobs in Detroit.
The Maryland-based company is in the process of acquiring the Bedrock-owned Icon building at 200 Walker St. Located along the city’s east riverfront, the 420,000-square-foot facility will house various Eccalon functions and its related entities, including but not limited to: office and manufacturing operations, an on-site training program, an innovation center, and broadcasting operations.
“A successful high-tech company like Eccalon could have taken their headquarters to Silicon Valley or Austin or Chicago but saw Detroit as the best place for them to flourish and grow,” says Mayor Mike Duggan. “The fact that Eccalon chose Detroit over other cities shows that Detroit has established itself as a desirable location for major high-tech companies.”
André Gudger, chairman and CEO of Eccalon, says Detroit’s resurgence as a high-tech innovation destination is what attracted the company to the city as a potential site for relocation. Eccalon’s new headquarters in Detroit will serve as a center of excellence for product development, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, and automation.
“With the exciting momentum in Detroit, we are proud to establish our headquarters at The Icon building,” says Gudger. “Eccalon will help attract and train skilled talent in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and digital manufacturing and nurture a resilient and adaptive workforce.”
The Icon building currently houses other tenants, including the Pensole-Lewis College of Business & Design, which is Detroit’s only HBCU. Gudger says that his team is in talks with school leadership about potential opportunities to collaborate
“Eccalon will be a powerful addition to our community, and their decision to build in Detroit demonstrates their confidence in our future,” says Kevin Johnson, president and CEO of the Detroit Economic Growth Corp. “We have what defense contractors need — world-class manufacturing DNA, a diverse talent pipeline, and partners ready to develop the workforce of tomorrow through our schools and institutions. The 800 high-paying jobs and deep community investments they’re bringing will positively impact Detroit’s economy.”
Eccalon anticipates the Detroit headquarters will result in capital investment of approximately $71 million and the creation of up to 800 new local jobs with average wages of $60.80 per hour plus benefits. All but 25 of the new positions will have starting wages above the Regional Median Wage of $24.69 per hour, ranging from $25 per hour up to $100 per hour.
The company also will establish a dedicated training center within The Icon, equipped with immersive simulation environments, cyber ranges, and hands-on manufacturing labs to enable experiential learning.
Eccalon is an award-winning business at the forefront of scientific research and technology. Today, the company and its related entities have approximately 400 employees, with more than 300 science and technology jobs in a variety of disciplines such as engineering, computer science, information technology, the sciences, and business administration.
With expertise in cybersecurity, AI, machine learning, DevSecOps, program management, workforce development, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), the company says it’s committed to delivering impactful solutions that align with mission-critical objectives to foster innovation, workforce growth and small business success.
The company says it plans to implement a number of long-term initiatives. For example, leveraging The Icon space to support Detroit’s growing film, digital arts and immersive content ecosystem; workforce development efforts such as partnering with Detroit Public Schools, HBCUs and community colleges to create direct pipelines into tech, engineering, and business roles; and developing talent pipelines from underrepresented communities in Detroit by offering apprenticeships, boot camps and internship programs.
For more information, visit Eccalon.com.
