Editor’s note: This story is part of the “New Bull City” series from WRALTechWire that will be running over several days, exploring the transformation of Durham.

DURHAM, N.C. – Perhaps no recent economic development decision better reflects the transformation of Durham from tobacco town to high-tech hub than the decision of Virginia-based Nuvotronics to move its high-tech manufacturing operation to the Bull City.

Taking over a cutting-edge manufacturing space from chip firm Nitronex, privately held Nuvotronics’ management cited several decisions for the move. But there were many factors beyond just the availability of the Nitronex space, especially the talent base of prospective employees.

Wife-and-husband team Noel Heiks and David Sherrer run Nuotronics, a five-year-old firm that is profitable, hiring and growing in double digits.

The company “delivers game-changing innovation and miniaturization in delivered custom RF [radio frequency] hardware, giving our defense and communications customers a distinct market edge,” the company says. “We invent, patent, and develop USA-based advanced manufacturing platforms with a foundation in microfabrication: our flagship PolyStrata architecture being the first success story. Our vision is to become the recognized leading innovator in RF modules for communications and defense.”

So why come to Durham? In a Q&A with WRALTechWire, CEO Heiks talks about the reasons as well as many other facets of the move – and what Nuvotronics hopes to accomplish as part of The New Bull City. 

Please cite the primary reasons for deciding to relocate to Durham. Talent recruitment? Technology infrastructure? What about the social climate – the Bull City cool, if you will?

The main reason for locating in Durham would be its unique manufacturing footprint. Very few areas in the country have the specific cleanroom facilities that are available in the Triangle area. We searched across the country to find a facility to support our growth to 8-inch wafers: California, Texas, and our current home state of Virginia. The facility in Durham offered exactly what we needed, only 3 hours’ drive from our current 6-inch wafer line facility. And, it was available when we needed it.

The second reason for locating in Durham is not just the growth potential for hiring new talent for the company, but also the potential for “trailing spouses” to be able to find jobs in the area. The diverse set of high tech companies in the area is a boon to our employees’ families, who have more than one high tech professional needing employment. We have already begun to hire employees from the Triangle region, proving that the area has a talent pool that we can leverage.

You mention “coolness” of the area…I agree that Durham in particular has a great energy about it and will be a quality of life draw for our current staff as well as prospective employees. We toured the American Tobacco campus a few weeks ago; I think it is a great flagship for what Durham is growing into. Different from what we do as a manufacturing company, but very cool!

What drew your attention to Durham? Did you look elsewhere, and if so what factors set Durham apart as the choice?

Honestly, the facility was the number one draw that drew our attention.

What reeled us in was the large metro area with a lot of culture and like-minded businesses where we can grow our company well into the future.

Did you receive anything in the way of tax incentives to relocate here?

Unfortunately, no. But we did try hard.

When will the move wrap up?

Our first big move will be complete by July 7th. The address is 2305 Presidential Drive, Durham.

How many people do you currently employ? Are you hiring? If so, in what areas – what skill sets do you need?

We currently employ 67 people (about 10 of those people located outside of Virginia, the rest are here).

We are hiring, and our website lists the positions on our Careers page.

Are some of your employees relocating with the company to Durham?

[About] 30 people will move from the Radford-Blacksburg Vir. area to the Triangle. Myself and David Sherrer included.

Is the company privately held; if so are you profitable? Are you seeking any outside funding at this point? Have you taken outside funding in the past?

The company is privately owned and is profitable. We haven’t sought major funding during our five-year history, preferring to grow as fast as we can through selling developed products. It hasn’t been easy, but the company has grown at double-digit rates every year.

How was Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce CEO Casey Steinbacher and the Chamber helpful you in your relocation efforts?

Casey (and the Chamber) have helped in a number of ways. Casey came to speak with our staff when we made our internal announcement, to give our team a sense of our new location from someone who really knew the area. She also has provided a number of networking opportunities and promotion opportunities!

I am sure as we get involved with the Durham Chamber this summer, there will be many more opportunities for working together.

We are very excited about our new location in Durham, and we appreciate your interest in our business!