CAR components manufacturer Schrader Electronics is investing more than £14 million in Northern Ireland towards researching and developing products that address the increasingly complex engineering requirements of the automotive sector.
Part of Sensata Group, Schrader specialises in making direct tyre pressure monitoring systems, a critical safety mechanism to warn motorists when a tyre is significantly under-inflated.
Sensata is a global organisation in manufacturing sensors, switches and controls for multiple industries. It has had a significant manufacturing and research and development presence in the north since its 2014 acquisition of Schrader, which was founded in 1988. The company has more than 1,000 employees in Northern Ireland at its sites in Carrickfergus and Antrim.
Graeme Thompson, managing director at Schrader, said: “This significant investment will help ensure our R&D centre in Antrim grows and remains competitive. Indeed our ambition is to develop an R&D centre of excellence in Northern Ireland.
“Demand in the wider automotive sensors market is expected to grow significantly, due to factors such as the need to reduce emissions, the trend to autonomous cars, and new comfort and convenience features.
"We wish to remain ahead of the curve and poised to offer our global customer base innovative technologies that will safeguard our competitiveness in the auto industry.”
Invest NI has offered Schrader £3 million of support towards its R&D investment in six projects, part funded by European Regional Development Fund.
The jobs body's chief executive Alastair Hamilton said: “The automotive sector is hugely competitive and continuous innovation is necessary for Schrader to satisfy its customers’ needs and capitalise on new opportunities.
“Supporting this investment will help Schrader build additional expertise in Northern Ireland, strengthening the R&D capabilities among its workforce and ensure that new products are developed to leverage new sales in emerging markets.”
