With 40 years under its belt, local engineering company J.F. Taylor, Inc.  has become a prominent solutions provider for the U.S. Department of Defense.

Formed in 1983, the defense contractor specializes in electronic, computer, and mechanical engineering. Over the years, it has expanded its focus to include manufacturing and fabrication—something that it uses regularly for its military training systems.

One of the company’s high-tech lines of products are simulators designed to support military troops and keep warfighters safe. Pilots, equipment operators, and maintenance personnel utilize the simulators to learn how to operate specific vehicles and understand the innovative technology inside the machines.

According to the St. Mary's County Department of Economic Development, J.F. Taylor has designed, developed, manufactured, and delivered its military training systems to 11 countries worldwide , supporting troops and allies at home and abroad.

“We have so many companies in St. Mary’s County that are doing business all over the world and J.F. Taylor’s reach is a testament to their growth over the past 40 years,” said Chris Kaselemis, director of St. Mary’s County Department of Economic Development . “We are fortunate to have J.F. Taylor call St. Mary’s home, especially as a company that was founded here and one that is still family-owned to this day. The company is one of our largest employers who has made substantial investments in our community and continues to have a tremendous impact—not only with our local defense community, but across the globe as well.”

Earlier this year, J.F. Taylor acquired software solutions company Clear Creek Applied Technologies, strengthening its position as a leader for cutting-edge defense solutions. President Wayne Taylor said in a statement that the purchase “broadens our portfolio and positions us to better serve the evolving needs of our customers in the digital age."

Prior to the acquisition, the company consolidated its various locations with one state-of-the-art building in Great Mills, Md., providing ample space for expansion and job creation. The new facility includes a 56,000 square-foot high-bay fabrication space, allowing the company to utilize the height of the facility, as well as 28,000 square-feet for office space. As a result, an estimated 80 new full-time jobs were created in the county, including engineers, technicians, and support staff, among others.

This significant expansion also gives J.F. Taylor the ability to expand its presence in the aerospace sector, where it currently works on avionics systems, unmanned systems, and aircraft modifications.

“J.F. Taylor has grown to more than 500 employees over the last few decades—that’s a drastic difference from the ‘one man show’ that formed in the 1980’s,” said Steve Wall, senior business development representative for Southern Maryland at the Maryland Department of Commerce. “The company has made a massive impact on the local defense industry and we’re very proud to support their success in Maryland and around the world.”