Factory Floor Fridays: Chairman Jovanovic Tours CesiumAstro’s Texas Facility to See EXIM-Supported Jobs at Work

AUSTIN, TX. - Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) Chairman John Jovanovic visited CesiumAstro's Austin facility as part of its Factory Floor Fridays initiative. Factory Floor Fridays tell the story of the American Dream through the eyes of the companies and workers building the next generation of American industry, proving with the right tools and support, U.S. innovation can compete and win anywhere in the world.

This September, EXIM signed a $280 million credit agreement under the Bank's Make More in America (MMIA) initiative and toured the company's major manufacturing expansion alongside CEO Shey Sabripour. This represents the Bank's largest loan approval in the MMIA program to date. A U.S.-based manufacturer, CesiumAstro builds advanced satellite communications systems that help spacecraft, aircraft, and ground networks stay connected. In January 2026, EXIM approved a $185 million direct loan to CesiumAstro to support the purchase of a new manufacturing facility in Austin, Texas, as well as critical infrastructure upgrades and the procurement of advanced equipment. The investment has enabled CesiumAstro to expand its production footprint, deliver high-reliability systems at scale, and create 500+ well-paying jobs for American workers.

"CesiumAstro proves that when American innovators have access to the right financing, they can build the technologies that will define the future," said Chairman John Jovanovic. "Through Make More in America, EXIM is helping strengthen our industrial base, support well-paying jobs, and ensure the next generation of critical space systems are built here in the United States."

"We are honored to have the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) support us - now through two financing packages - as we continue to grow CesiumAstro and expand advanced manufacturing in the United States," said Shey Sabripour, Founder and CEO of CesiumAstro. "That level of commitment from EXIM is meaningful. It reinforces the importance of investing in advanced manufacturing and strengthening America's industrial base, and I want to express my sincere gratitude to Chairman Jovanovic for his leadership and commitment to that effort."

"American manufacturers are the backbone of our economic security," Jovanovic added. "Factory Floor Fridays give everyday Americans the opportunity to hear from businesses large and small-which account for nearly 90 percent of our transactions-and ensure they have the financing tools they need to compete, grow, and win in global markets."

EXIM's MMIA program is designed to help American companies access the Bank's existing medium-and long-term loans, loan guarantees, and insurance to export-oriented domestic manufacturing projects.

When EXIM was founded 92 years ago, its mission was simple: support America's economic recovery from the Great Depression by creating well-paying jobs and rebuilding the nation's manufacturing base. Under President Trump's leadership, EXIM is once again a frontline economic tool to revitalize America's economy and define a future led by U.S. innovation.

ABOUT EXIM:

As the United States government's official export credit agency, the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) supports American jobs by facilitating U.S. exports. As an independent agency, EXIM plays a critical role in supporting economic growth, securing critical supply chains, and ensuring American businesses are given a fighting chance. To achieve this mission, EXIM offers financing including export credit insurance, working capital guarantees, loan guarantees, and direct loans. Learn more at www.exim.gov.