New York Defense Technology Firm Opens Fort Collins Facility With Potential for 100-Plus Jobs

A New York-based defense technology company has opened a new facility in Fort Collins, a move that could support more than 100 jobs in Northern Colorado.

The company, Persistent Systems, develops advanced communication and networking equipment for the U.S. military, law enforcement and other government agencies. CEO Herbert Rubens said the firm's work centers on keeping military personnel and other forces connected while they are in the field.

"We do a lot of work with, you know, law enforcement, with the Coast Guard, with federal agencies," Rubens said.

The company points to the local talent pool as a key reason for choosing Fort Collins. It says the city offers access to a strong technology workforce, including graduates of Colorado State University and employees of other technology companies in the area.

"This is a, you know, a college town, so there's a lot of, you know, young talent in the area," Rubens said. He also named Intel and Broadcom as major technology companies with a presence in the region.

Ann Hutchison, CEO of the Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce, said the region's highly educated workforce makes it an appealing location for companies such as Persistent Systems. She said nearly 25% of Fort Collins residents hold a graduate degree or higher, and another 35% have a bachelor's degree.

Sen. John Hickenlooper said the expansion will benefit the state. "Building up these complex structures of different companies doing different parts of a very complex mission is what Colorado's best at," he said.

For Persistent Systems, the new building means additional space and a more lasting footprint. "With this building, we now have a new facility with more space, so we can, you know, kind of put our roots in the ground and continue to grow here in Fort Collins," Rubens said.