Epirus, a venture-backed startup that builds defense systems capable of taking down enemy drones, has opened a 100,000-square-foot headquarters in Torrance.
The facility at 19145 Gramercy Place will employ about 150 people in engineering, business operations and research and development. The building was once part of Toyota’s North American headquarters before the automaker moved the operation, along with an estimated 3,000 jobs, to Plano, Texas in 2016.
Epirus has seen growing demand for its technologies, particularly its electromagnetic pulse system Leonidas, which is aimed at preventing enemy drone attacks, according to John Juell, the company’s vice president of operations.
“It’s very strong,” he said. “If you look at all the different companies out there that are in this space — there are lots of them. They use laser technology and jamming technology, but no company has a solution that’s as capable as Epirus.”
Epirus combines microwave technology and artificial intelligence to create an electromagnetic pulse that can disrupt, disable and destroy the electronic components of an enemy drone.
But unlike the technologies used by competitors, Epirus says its targeted microwave bursts can cast a wider net.
“This can take out swarms of drones all at once instead of just one at a time,” Juell said, adding that it can also neutralize a single drone in tight, crowded spaces.
General Dynamics Land Systems announced in late October a collaboration with Epirus to integrate its Leonidas system on U.S. military combat vehicles. The company says its system is capable of handling below-freezing temperatures as well as very hot climates.
Commercial uses
The company’s ability to disable aggressor drones is aimed at U.S. military markets, including the Department of Defense. But Epirus has also directed its technology toward commercial uses.
“We have multiple markets we’re looking at,” Juell said. “The Torrance Police Department and LAPD are interested in what we’re doing.”
Law enforcement agencies could use microwave technology to rapidly disable the electronics of vehicles or boats that need to be stopped. It could likewise protect airports and keep crowds safe in large stadiums, or be used to defend critical infrastructures, such as power stations, seaports and utility towers.
Company grows 200%
Founded in 2018, Epirus initially operated out a 4,000-square-foot space in El Segundo. The business later moved to a 30,000-square-foot facility in Hawthorne before moving to Torrance. Epirus still uses the Hawthorne property but is sub-leasing the El Segundo space.
The expansion comes during a year of strong growth for the company. Epirus says it has grown its workforce by 200% over the past year, and it continues to hire talent from the high-tech, aerospace and defense industries.
Torrance Mayor Patrick Furey said the city is well-positioned to support the growth of “agile, disruptive companies” like Epirus.
“I am delighted to have them join our vibrant business community,” Furey said in a statement.
Los Angeles County is a national hub for fast-growth aerospace and defense companies that include SpaceX, Rocket Lab, Northrup Grumman and Smartplane, among others.
“I could not be prouder of our rapid pace of growth and the strides we continue to make as a company,” said Ken Bedingfield, Epirus’ chief operating officer and chief financial officer. “Torrance and the South Bay are home to some of the most well-renowned and innovative global companies.”