HZO pulls plug on Utah

Draper-based HZO, a global developer and marketer of nano-coatings to protect electronics, has run out of space at its Utah facility. The company, which established its headquarters in Utah in 2011, will move to Raleigh, North Carolina’s Research Triangle Park by the end of the summer.

“Our new facilities in Research Triangle Park will help ensure we continue to deliver unparalleled service and support to our customers. We’re grateful to Salt Lake City, which has been instrumental in helping us achieve this latest milestone,” said Simone Maraini, CEO of HZO.

In addition to the need for a larger operating space, Maraini cited a need to access technical talent, new business partnerships and cutting-edge technology. The company’s 50 local employees have been invited and incentivized to move with the company to North Carolina, Maraini said. “But we recognize that given various circumstances, not all Utah employees will be available to make the move.”

“Raleigh also offers a coastal advantage, putting HZO in a prime location to better support its current global customers and extend its reach into growing markets such as automotive, Internet of things and medical devices,” Maraini concluded.

The facilities in Raleigh provide HZO with up to 10 times more U.S.-based manufacturing space, four times more research and development space, and three times more lab space, according to a release from the company.

HZO employs 320 in its operations in Europe and China and the company has a contract workforce of over 2,000 at 12 factories. The company provides its products to companies across industries including consumer electronics, Internet of things, medical devices and automotive.