Arbor Networks is growing globally from its Ann Arbor headquarters. The technology company provides security products, services and training for service providers like AT&T. The recent addition of 16 engineers increased staff size to close to 60, the number at which Harry Wan, vice president of engineering, hopes to reach by the end of the year. "We're hiring as fast as we can," he says.
While Arbor deploys its expertise across the globe, much of its talent is homegrown. Wan has been successful in recruiting talent that was born and bred -- and often educated -- in Michigan even if they took off for greener pastures after graduation. "Many people that grew up in Southeast Michigan or the greater Midwest area move to the Bay Area or move to Boston," says Wan. "When they start to have families, they want to be closer to family, and then start to look for opportunities locally. We're tapping into that profile of people."
Arbor also attempts to keep talent from ever leaving by offering internships, summer and part-time employment and entry-level positions. "We try to give these young people the financial ability to stay in the area," says Wan.
While Wan has seen other companies independently make decisions to locate or expand in Southeast Michigan, he wants more. "We need people to make a commitment to building a good ecosystem of companies like ours," he says.
He also urges an image makeover. "We're not known as tech or software center -- a little bit better press on that would be a good thing."
Arbor is currently scouting sites for a new headquarters, having outgrown its current 12,000 square feet. Founded in 2001 as a University of Michigan spin-off, the company employs just under 200 worldwide.
Sources: Harry Wan and Rob Malan, Arbor NetworksWriter: Kelli B. Kavanaugh
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