Collingwood’s Sensor Technologies plans $3.4 million expansion, new hires

A Collingwood company is preparing to make a splash with a major expansion and new staff hires.

Sensor Technologies was recently awarded a $500,000 grant from the Regional Development Program’s Southwestern Ontario Development Fund. The money will go towards a $3,333,333 investment the company is making to hire 11 more staff and expand its Collingwood facilities.

“It’s great. It confirms that we’re on the right track and that we have support. It means a lot to us,” said Niru Somayajula, president and chief executive officer. “We’re going through quite a bit of facility expansion because we have a lot more demand for our projects.”

“Our customers want more of what we do.”

Somayajula said Sensor Technologies’ facilities at 16-20 Stewart St. they are also operated at full capacity now.

The company builds underwater communications sensors. One of the most common uses of the technology is military, although it is also used to locate oil and gas underwater and in fish conservation work.

Somayajula said political unrest around the world has helped expand the market for his products, and the business is attracting bigger customers as time goes on.

“It helps us understand what our threats are on a global scale,” she said. “Navys around the world are preparing for a potential conflict. We are a big part of their perception needs.”

“Our sensors protect people. It’s a great mission.”

Work is already underway to spend the funds, with 20 new staff hired since last December.

“We were always going to do this project, even if we didn’t get the money. The money the government has given us is fantastic; it’s a nice help.”

Somayajula said work is now underway to determine whether it makes sense to build a larger, upgraded facility on Stewart or at another location so their workflow is not disrupted.

Although there is one non-negotiable for Somayajula when it comes time to make that decision, and that is staying in Collingwood.

“We want to make sure we stay very close to where we are now. I live here. I don’t want to go anywhere else,” she said.

In a press release, Simcoe-Grey MP Brian Saunderson said the province’s investment will help increase manufacturing and create more good-paying jobs.

“Our government is building a strong Ontario and strengthening the economy by supporting key investments in communities like Collingwood,” Saunderson said. “I want to congratulate and thank Sensor Technology for investing in our community.”