Unmanned aerial systems startup SICDrone is moving its headquarters back to Oregon with a new lease for manufacturing space in Scappoose.
The company originally moved the state from San Diego in 2016 to be a part of the now defunct Jaguar Land Rover Incubator in the Pearl. It then moved to the Boston area for some accelerator programs and is now moving back to Oregon. The move should be complete in the fourth quarter.
The company has a license agreement for 6,000 square feet, with potential for future agreements at the Scappoose Airport. It plans to test fly its drones at the Tillamook UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) Test Range at the Tillamook Airport and at other ranges across the state.
SICDrone created proprietary flight control software and designs and builds commercial drones that are fast and maneuverable. It is targeting uses in military, commercial offshore wind farms, and first responders.
“SICDrone manufactures unmanned aircraft with the capabilities needed for serious commercial and government operations. Our drones are the fastest in the industry. The platform also offers high-power, multimodular, and super-maneuverable capabilities,” said founder and CEO Daniel Bosch in a written statement.
Bosch also said he is excited to come back.
“Oregon has welcomed us back with open arms. The tremendous support we’ve received from Business Oregon and the Port (of Columbia), along with the ease of flying UAS at the Tillamook Test Range and the state’s competitive tax rates, make this the ideal location for us to expand our business,” he added.
The company expects to hire five to 10 people locally across software, mechanical and electrical engineering roles as well as support roles.
“SICDrone is an excellent fit for the growing advanced manufacturing sector in Scappoose and we are excited that they’ve entrusted us with their expansion into Oregon,” said Port of Columbia County Business Development & Real Estate Manager Amy Bynum in a written statement.
In addition to the Port, Business Oregon, Columbia Economic Team, Columbia River PUD, the City of Scappoose, and Greater Portland Inc. were all involved in recruiting the company back.
