Sensata Technologies: driving global growth from Northern Ireland
From its manufacturing facility in Antrim and state-of-the-art R&D centre in Newtownabbey, Sensata Technologies' Northern Ireland teams support global innovation through the development of advanced sensing technologies, software and vehicle safety solutions for international markets.
About Sensata Technologies
Sensata Technologies is a leading global industrial technology company that develops sensor-rich solutions and electrical protection systems for the automotive, heavy vehicle, industrial and aerospace sectors. Headquartered in both Attleboro, Massachusetts, USA, and Swindon, UK, Sensata employs more than 16,000 people globally.
The company has operated in Northern Ireland for more than 20 years, tracing its roots locally to Schrader Electronics, which was acquired by Sensata in 2014. Today, Sensata operates two sites in Northern Ireland: a state-of-the-art R&D centre in Newtownabbey and a major manufacturing facility in Antrim. These operations support key global functions including systems engineering, software development, hardware design, product verification and vehicle testing.
Sensata in Northern Ireland is best known for its tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS), which are fitted in vehicles around the world. The Northern Ireland team also plays an important role in developing next generation sensing technologies and software solutions that support connected and electric vehicles.
Why did Sensata choose Northern Ireland?
Northern Ireland offered Sensata access to a highly skilled talent pool, a strong engineering heritage and a collaborative innovation ecosystem that supports long-term growth.
Through its close partnerships with local universities, industry and Invest Northern Ireland, the company has been able to build specialist capabilities in engineering and software development while creating opportunities for innovation and product advancement. The region's position, located between the United States and Asia also provides an important operational advantage, enabling teams in Northern Ireland to collaborate effectively with colleagues and customers across global markets.
How has the Northern Ireland operation contributed to Sensata's continued growth and success?
Northern Ireland has become a strategically important location within Sensata's global operations.
The region supports worldwide engineering, software development and innovation activities, helping the company develop technologies used by leading automotive manufacturers across the globe. Local teams design and develop advanced sensing technologies that measure variables such as pressure and temperature, while software engineers create increasingly sophisticated vehicle systems.
What began as products containing around 1,000 lines of code has evolved into advanced systems with more than three million lines of code, demonstrating the growing complexity and capability of the work being delivered from Northern Ireland.
The company's TPMS Centre of Excellence is based in Northern Ireland and has benefited from continued investment in innovation, including technologies that support vehicle connectivity, safety and the transition to electric mobility. The opening of the new R&D centre further strengthened Sensata Northern Ireland's ability to collaborate, innovate and develop next-generation products for global markets.
How has Invest NI supported Sensata since setting up in Northern Ireland?
Invest NI has played an important role in supporting Sensata's growth, innovation and long-term investment in Northern Ireland.
This has included support across a number of research and development projects, helping the company accelerate innovation, diversify its product portfolio and explore new market opportunities. This support has enabled the business to develop advanced technologies that improve efficiency, support decarbonisation and strengthen its competitiveness within global markets.
Beyond research and development support, Invest NI also worked closely with the company as it expanded its Northern Ireland’s facilities, including support with the acquisition and development of a new site.
- Headquartered in both Attleboro, Massachusetts, USA, and Swindon, UK
- More than 100 years of experience in mission-critical design and innovation
- Develops sensors, electrical protection solutions and sensor-rich technologies used in mission-critical applications across automotive, commercial equipment, industrial, aerospace and defence sectors
- 16,000+ employees globally
- Operations in 13 countries
- Around 1.1 billion devices shipped annually
- 20+ years operating in Northern Ireland
- Northern Ireland teams support key global functions including systems engineering, software development, hardware design, product verification and vehicle testing