SCHAFFHAUSEN, Switzerland — TE Connectivity recently announced that it has opened a new facility to design and manufacture highly-engineered, innovative temperature sensors in Andover, Minnesota.

According to a release from the company, the new 51,350 square foot facility will be one of TE's largest sensor innovation centers, with a temperature technology center of expertise. The facility will serve customers across several sectors, from industrial to HVAC, medical devices, food preparation, aerospace and defense, and beyond. TE's on-site and global network of engineers will offer custom solutions to meet customers' exacting requirements. The company is also prepared to meet fast-paced product development timelines with rapid prototyping as it co-creates solutions with its customers.

TE's local employee base has grown 40 percent over the last year, and the company expects to continue hiring into 2015 across its engineering and general employee population. Current employees of TE's Ham Lake, Minnesota, location will move to the new Andover facility, five miles to the southwest. The new Andover facility has the capability to expand to over 80,000 square feet.

“The opening of this new facility represents a milestone for TE and its commitment to delivering cutting-edge sensor solutions for customers, as well as to developing on-the-ground engineering talent,” said David Coughlan, president of Sensor Solutions, TE Connectivity, in the release.

TE's (www.te.com) acquisition of Measurement Specialties, Inc., last fall strengthens its position in the high-growth sensor market, particularly with respect to sensors for harsh environment applications. TE's portfolio of sensors includes sensors that can cover a temperature range from -200°C to +1000°C.