POTSDAM, New York (WWNY) – A U.S. military contractor is looking to expand operations to Massena with a facility that would house research, defense manufacturing and an AI computing center.
Ombra provides smart technology for the Department of Defense. The company has an office in Potsdam and draws local talent from nearby universities.
It also has a facility in Tampa, Florida.
Massena native Mike Fieldson owns the company. He plans to build a 75,000-square-foot facility that he expects will create 50 permanent jobs.
EAGLE drone shipped to Army
The company recently shipped its EAGLE drone, technology created to locate enemy radar locations, to U.S. Army Special Forces in North Carolina.
“We shipped the major components last Friday and shipped the rest of the components this Monday,” Fieldson said.
The drone was assembled at the company’s Florida facility. Fieldson plans to build future projects in the North Country.
“We also draw students from the University of South Florida, so we’ll continue to have that presence here, but what I think you’ll see is more and more hiring will be in the north country,” Fieldson said.
Seeking low-cost hydropower
Fieldson wants to get 2 megawatts of low-cost electricity through St. Lawrence County’s Economic Development Power Program.
The program allocates 20 megawatts of hydropower from the St. Lawrence-Franklin D. Roosevelt Power Project in Massena to support business growth in the area.
He said he has support from state and federal representatives.
“That 20 megawatts was intended to bring back jobs to the local area, but really has been underused, so that’s why we’ll be there. We have an application in to get a slice of that power that will help power the campus that we’re building,” Fieldson said.
Fieldson expects the project to cost tens of millions of dollars.
Town supervisor cautious
Town Supervisor Ray Lancto said he is pleased to hear of any potential investment coming to the area, but wants to look out for the town.
“As much as we want the good-paying jobs, we’re also being cautious, and we’re also looking into the companies, making sure they’re viable and sustainable,” Lancto said. “A lot of companies want to move here because of our resources.”
The project has not yet gone before local planning boards. Fieldson said he will be in Massena next week to discuss the project with officials.
He is eyeing the former GM plant or the old Massena mall as locations. The project will have to go through the usual planning process first.
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