Heat Trace Products, LLC, a manufacturer of self regulating heating cables and accessories, has leased 20,000 square feet of space in Leominster. The expansion will retain the company’s existing work force of just under 20 people and is expected to add employment in the next couple of years.

Heat Trace Products, LLC manufactures self–regulating heater cables used in industrial and commercial applications for freeze protection and process temperature maintenance. These are used on pipes, fittings, valves, tanks and process equipment. The cables regulate their heat output in response to changes in temperature.

Company executives had evaluated facility options in Connecticut and Ohio for strategic reasons before selecting the Leominster facility. The company spun out of Rockbestos Surprenant Cable Corp. in 2004 as a stand-alone company.

A public-private sector team assembled to assist Heat Trace Products, LLC included MAED, Massachusetts Office of Business Development, MassDevelopment, Commonwealth Corp., the City of Leominster, and the Massachusetts Office of International Trade and Investment.

“Through the extraordinary efforts of our employees, Heat Trace Products has enjoyed significant growth over the past year, particularly with our international exports,” said Wayne Canty, president of Heat Trace Products. “Most of our employees live in the Leominster area; therefore it is particularly gratifying for me to be able to relocate this rapidly expanding business within Central Massachusetts thereby retaining our present dedicated work force. In particular my thanks go out the Massachusetts Alliance for Economic Development for educating us and coordinating on our behalf the efforts of the various State programs we have been able to benefit from. Again, my appreciation to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the City of Leominster for all their assistance.”

“This is an important win for the state. Heat Trace is one of only 4 companies worldwide providing a full line of products in this industry, and the only one headquartered here in Massachusetts,” said Gian Starita of Lincoln Property Co.

Heat Trace Products, LLC is eligible for a variety of state and local economic development programs such as the Workforce Training Fund, export assistance through the Massachusetts Export Center and the Economic Development Incentive Program, a partnership between local municipalities and the Commonwealth.