This past summer Philippe Perut, president of SES America, an Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) solution manufacturer, and I announced the relocation of the company from its Smithfield, Rhode Island location to a larger facility in Warwick's Pawtuxet Industrial Park. A few weeks ago, I officially welcomed this high-tech company to our community by participating in a ribbon cutting ceremony and a tour of the plant and its operations.
Perut noted that this new facility will allow them to better serve their regional customers in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, as well as clients nationwide and in Canada.
SES America, founded in Rhode Island in 1986, manufactures and sells innovative and energy-efficient ITS products, specializing in Dynamic Message Signs (DMS) that incorporate the latest improvements in design and years of engineering and testing experience. Their products are used primarily by the Department of Transportation on highways and arterial roads in dozens of states across the U.S.
One of Warwick's key economic development assets is its central location and the many transportation options businesses can offer their employees and customers. In fact, John Mapel, SES America's operations manager, said that the proximity to T.F. Green Airport, the InterLink and the highway were among the considerations when choosing the move to Warwick.
Among SES America's products is the SolarSign, the world's first fully solar-powered highway and arterial DMS, with guaranteed 24/7 up-time; an amber or full-color DMS for all large highway, lane usage and arterial sign applications; small DMS that are specifically engineered for use as travel time and toll indicators; smart-lane control signs for tunnels, bridges, and toll systems; high-intensity LED roadway markers for use on highways, in tunnels, and at roadside facilities; LED markers for increased visibility and safety in low-visibility conditions; and solar-powered LED devices to mark highways, lane usage, and curves, exits and rotaries. The company also has the ability to upgrade existing DMS with the most modern LED technology.
Since moving its operations to Warwick, SES America has increased its workforce from six full-time employees to 16. The company recently was awarded a contract from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and this bodes well for the future growth of SES America and its workforce.
I am very pleased that SESA has chosen our community, and my administration will continue to work with them to ensure that they will succeed and grow here in Warwick. This marks yet another positive step forward in our ongoing efforts to fuel our economy, grow jobs and strengthen our business environment and it is further evidence of how Warwick is the City on the Move.

For more information: www.sesamerica.com.

Scott Avedisian is the mayor of Warwick and the chairman of the RIPTA board of directors.