Exro Technologies, a power technology firm based out of Calgary, Alberta, has announced it will establish its U.S. headquarters in Mesa — evidence of the company’s momentum and growth.
Canadian-based Exro is a leading clean technology company that has developed a new class of power electronics for electric motors and batteries. Its Coil Driver technology helps to optimize power in electric vehicles (EVs) of all types, from scooters and e-bikes to electric cars and buses. According to the company, Exro enables the application to achieve more with less energy consumed.
The company’s new U.S. headquarters will be situated right across the street from the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway airport in southeast Mesa. Exro is also building a new Innovation Center, which will be a full test facility and working product demos for both customers and stakeholders. The facility is currently in permitting, but is anticipated to open in Q1 of 2022.
The Mesa office will be the company’s third location and just the second in the U.S. Exro has a sales and regulation office in Maryland and another office in Calgary, where the company is based.
Exro CEO Sue Ozdemir told AZ Tech Beat that the company looked across the United States for cities in which to build its headquarters. They seriously considered locations in Florida and Texas, but ultimately Mesa seemed to be the “natural choice.”
“Arizona really topped the list for everything we were looking for,” Ozdemir said. “We love the vibe of the area.”
Arizona’s R&D infrastructure will provide Exro with direct access to nearly every piece of the automotive supply chain. The company will also benefit from the state’s regulatory environment and climate, which will allow for more product testing time on roads.
Ozdemir saw several other benefits for being in Arizona. She noted the state’s growing tech scene and the opportunity to recruit the best talent as the company expands.
According to Ozdemir, the company has been growing fast in a nearly straight line. Since being named CEO at the end of 2019, she’s seen her team grow from seven employees to 50. And, in fact, surrounding herself with a strong and talented team has been one of Ozdemir’s key strategies for scaling the company.
Hiring will be a major short-term priority. Exro plans to hire 50 employees over the next 18 months, with the majority of open roles in engineering, marketing and finance.
Exro really values and prioritizes team culture, she said. (They bought Exro-themed hockey jerseys for her entire team and their families). She also saw great potential for her team to be able to maintain a work-life balance here.
Arizona has also become a hub for EV manufacturing, with EV companies Lucid and ElectraMeccanica building facilities here. Ozdemir said the company is looking to participate with local EV customers in Arizona.
“Exro will leverage the state’s optimal test locations, position as a national leader in EV manufacturing and competitive talent pipeline of some 120,000 workers to expand its operations and product offerings,” according to a statement from the company.
The decision to build headquarters here was made within the last three months, but already Ozdemir couldn’t be happier with the choice. She’s already moved to Arizona and not only is she loving the heat, but she’s feeling the love and support from the area’s business community.
“Everyone we’ve worked with has been so nice and welcoming,” Ozdemir said.
Chris Camacho, president & CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, has expressed his enthusiasm.
“Exro is doing ground-breaking work and is the type of technology company that propels our innovation-centered economy while bolstering the region’s electric vehicle ecosystem,” Camacho said in a statement. “We’re excited to see another Canadian technology firm place investment in Mesa and look forward to being a partner in their continued growth and success.”
Ozdemir is ultimately excited to continue to see her company grow and innovate, and she believes Arizona is the place to do it.
“We truly are coming up with new, innovative technology that will accelerate transition for the electric vehicle industry,” she said. “We look forward to recruiting talent locally that will be able to build a business here.”