Exeter's Cobham Brings in Jobs From Mass.

Cobham, which is its Exeter facilities to add 200 jobs, did so with the help of the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development.

The division has been concentrating on luring businesses from other states – especially Massachusetts. The Cobham expansion appears to be another success.

Cobham, which makes communication systems for commercial aviation, military, and law enforcement, is closing its plant in Methuen, Mass., and bringing about 120 jobs there to its expanded plant in Exeter.

"New Hampshire’s low taxes, business friendly attitude, and available space, helped Cobham in their decision to relocate," wrote Michael Bergeron, a recruiter for the state economic division, on the division's business blog.

Bergeron and colleague Christine Davis – of Exeter – helped Cobham with the transition.

"We are excited about this move to New Hampshire," said John Moore, a Cobham vice president, in a statement. "Consolidating the specialized design and manufacturing of microwave and electro-mechanical rotating devices will greatly complement what we do here in Exeter."

The expansion being done at the Exeter plant on Continental Drive will bring the total number of workers there to about 450. Cobham is also planning on expanding its presence on Industrial Drive, where about 125 employees work.

That expansion would require 80 more employees, Moore has previously said. An exact timeframe for that plan is not set.

Cobham, which is based in England, makes radar parts for U.S. submarines, destroyers, and the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter -- the jet of the future for the U.S. and other partner countries. Cobham also makes radar parts for Airbus and Boeing commercial planes. The majority of the work done in Exeter is military-related.

Cobham employs more than 10,000 people on five continents.