Local firm to double space with new HQ in Sylvania Twp.

Ground Penetrating Radar Systems is building a new headquarters at 7540 New West Rd., off King Road, in Sylvania Township.

A ground radar company with some national prominence is moving within Sylvania Township to larger quarters and expects to double its local technical staff in the next year.

Ground Penetrating Radar Systems took advantage of Lucas County tax incentives and local financing options to move its headquarters.

It is building a 7,200-square foot structure that will become its offices and a separate 1,000-square foot building that will be its training center and maintenance garage on 2 acres at 7540 New West Rd., off King Road, south of Sylvania Avenue. Construction began last month, and the buildings are to be ready by December.

The company, which has 107 employees nationwide and 16 in the township, will move from a 3,700-square foot office it has at 6800 W. Central Ave. It plans to sell that building.

President Matt Aston, a township resident, said the company plans to hire 15 to 20 field technicians for its local staff. Job applicants should apply through its Web site www.gp-radar.com.

The company provides technology during construction projects that can “look through” or scan ground and concrete so crews can avoid hitting objects in the ground, he said. In 2006, the firm participated in an effort to find the remains of missing American teen Natalee Holloway in Aruba using ground radar equipment. The company’s past projects include work at the new Yankee Stadium, the new One World Trade Center, Disney World, and professional and college stadiums.

Its new Sylvania Township building cost $1.5 million, but the project benefited by an estimated 49 percent tax abatement for at least 10 years because the property is located in a county Community Reinvestment Area. Property owners in such an area can receive tax breaks for improvements made to buildings or homes.

The company used a $100,000 five-year loan with an interest rate of 1 percent for part of the financing. It was offered through the Sylvania Area Community Improvement Corporation.

Mr. Aston noted that the township has an added benefit for the business, as it has no income tax. He also likes that the firm headquarters is centrally located to big populations nationally.

“It’s four hours from Chicago, two from Cleveland, an hour from Detroit, and about 3½ from Pittsburgh,” he said.

Contact Natalie Trusso Cafarello at: 419-206-0356, or ntrusso@theblade.com, or on Twitter @natalietrusso.