Sensata set up NI Technology Centre

The modern, Grade A office building, which is to be located at Global Point Business Park in Newtownabbey, will comprise 61,500 sq ft across two floors, have 300 car parking spaces and offer flexible working space for 310 desks, with the option to expand in the future by up to 50 percent.

Sensata Technologies is proposing to occupy the building by way of an agreed lease with the successful developer and it will house a large R&D presence which will attract top quality engineering talent. Energy efficiency and sustainability will be a key focus in the design of the site.

The company operates in 11 countries globally and has had a significant manufacturing and R&D presence in Northern Ireland since its 2014 acquisition of Schrader Electronics, which was founded in 1988. Sensata Technologies has more than 1,000 employees in the province.

Eric Sorret, VP for auto chassis and general manager in Northern Ireland for Sensata Technologies, said: “We are pleased to progress with plans for our new R&D hub in County Antrim, further demonstrating our long-term commitment to Northern Ireland.

“We will be reducing our office space at our current location as it is no longer fit for the requirements of an innovative and modern working environment. 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 manufacture a range of Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) in Northern Ireland and Sensata sensors are already being used to improve industrial pumps and to maximise fuel efficiency in cars and heavy off-road vehicles.

“As electric vehicles rise in popularity, they require sensors and data insights to monitor everything from battery systems to thermal management systems. 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.”

Brian Kidd, partner at Frazer Kidd, said: “This is an excellent opportunity for a property developer to partner with a global company which has recognised the quality of the talent in Northern Ireland and is seeking to develop an R&D base to maintain a long term presence here.”

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