Ypsilanti Township-based Integrated Sensing Systems is launching an expansion of its existing facility, marking the end of a vacillating process in which the technology company nearly moved to Ann Arbor.

The company, generally called ISSYS, is renovating its 15,700-square-foot facility and adding 5,200 square feet of space. Construction is underway, and the company expects to add about 20 jobs as it increases manufacturing capacity.

ISSYS was considering moving to an ex-Tecumseh Products building in Ann Arbor’s Research Park.

"It was not an easy decision. It was a very complex decision," said Nader Najafi, founder and CEO of ISSYS.

Integrated Sensing Systems is projecting growth in its sensor manufacturing business.

File photo by Robert Ramey | For AnnArbor.com

Najafi said moving the company's sensor manufacturing capacity, clean room space and equipment to Ann Arbor would have presented a major logistical challenge.

There's "both high cost and also high risk when you move such delicate equipment," he said. "So one of the key factors for us was the ease of expansion and the ease of move."

The expansion comes after ISSYS raised $18.5 million from its investors, including two major sensor companies, to accelerate its growth.

Najafi said he expects to hire 20 workers to staff the new capacity. But he expects to hire another 20 to 30 in the next few years as demand grows.

The extra space allows ISSYS, which had already been manufacturing microelectromechanical sensor (MEMS) components, to manufacture finished MEMS products.

Najafi said the new capacity will be devoted mostly to making sensor implants for medical use and industrial sensors.

The sensors are typically sold for $2 to $4 apiece. They are used in a variety of applications, including fuel cells, medical uses, airplanes and a wide range of other devices.

ISSYS is located at the Airport Industrial Center, which has 272,000 square feet of facilities spread out over 11 buildings.

Dave Hamilton, CEO of Swisher Commercial, represented ISSYS in the deal. He also listed the property and is a member of its ownership group.