CAR components manufacturer Sensata Technologies has announced plans to build a new technology centre in Co Antrim.
The US-owned company, which specialises in tyre pressure monitoring systems, has said it will relocate its research and development division to a 61,500 sq ft hub at the Global Point Business Park in Newtownabbey.
Sensata said it is seeking expressions of interest from potential developers to design and build the grade A offices.
It comes just ten months after the company announced plans to close its Carrickfergus factory with the loss of 270 jobs.
A further 160 redundancies were announced at its Antrim facility in June in response to the impact of Covid-19 on market demand.
Sensata expanded into the north in late 2014 through the acquisition of Schrader Electronics.
Its Northern Ireland workforce now stands at around 1,000.
The American group’s general manager in the north, Eric Sorret, said the move demonstrates its long-term commitment to the north.
He said the company is gradually diversifying its business portfolio, which will include an increased focus on software and data.
Sensata’s tyre sensors already used for a variety of functions, from measuring fuel efficiency in vehicles, to improving industrial pumps.
“As a company, we are moving beyond sensor components to providing data insights that we can extract from our sensors; ensuring that we have the right talent to execute on our strategy will be imperative,” he said.
The group expects that the continued rise in the popularity of electric vehicles will create more demand for sensors and data insights to monitor everything from battery systems to thermal management systems.
He confirmed that Sensata will reduce its office footprint at the Technology Park in Antrim as part of the move.
“It is no longer fit for the requirements of an innovative and modern working environment,” said Mr Sorret.
“We hope to build our talent pipeline by attracting highly skilled software developers and engineering specialists to join our new base in Global Point Business Park.
“We recognise that, despite the challenges of this year and the Covid-19 pandemic, opportunities exist for the future and we know that the talent we have found in Northern Ireland can help us to capitalise on these.”
Sensata said the new offices, which will be spread over two floors, will offer flexible working space for 310 desks, with the option to expand in the future by up to 50 percent.
It is proposing to occupy the building by way of an agreed lease with a developer.
