Preparing for rising demand for its electronic assemblies, Dartmouth-based MilAero Electronics Atlantic is embarking on a major expansion estimated to cost more than $2.2 million.

Co-owners Paul and Debora Greedy announced last month that they were adding 8,000 square feet of manufacturing space to their existing headquarters, doubling the company’s operational facility.

The company’s expansion includes investment in new equipment and production capacity to better serve a growing roster of national and international clients.

“We’re adding 8,000 square feet of new manufacturing space at our existing Dartmouth facility, giving us more room to take on complex projects, invest in advanced equipment, and optimize our production flow, all without leaving the site we’ve called home for years,” said Debora Greedy in an email.

The Greedys were co-founders of the company in 2002 and took 100 percent ownership in 2022. Today, Paul Greedy leads the production, engineering and operations while Debora Greedy oversees compliance and security, administration and business development. MilAero is a CCIB Certified Indigenous Business as Debora is Mi’kmaq with ancestral roots in the Eel Ground First Nation (Natoaganeg) in northern New Brunswick.

MilAero manufactures high-performance electrical assemblies, with a concentration in aerospace and defence. Specifically, it provides build-to-print manufacturing, offering turnkey solutions or using customer-supplied material.

When it first announced the expansion in early July, it employed 50 people. That number has already risen to 55 employees, and the company expects to hire an additional 25 employees.

“Along with adding more space, we’re bringing in new equipment and technology that will let us work more efficiently and take on even more complex projects for our clients,” said Debora Greedy.

Though they have not yet completed the financials for the expansion project, they estimate the total cost in equipment and building expansion will amount to more than $2.2 million.

One of the main reasons for the expansion is the recent commitment by Canada and other NATO members to increase defence spending. The Greedys believe more investment in the sector means more opportunities for companies like theirs, and they want to have the capacity and capabilities to meet that new demand.

On the flip side, the overall environment for manufacturers is getting more challenging due to trade wars and rising tariffs in the U.S. MilAero has already begun to feel the pinch as the cost of materials from the U.S. has been rising.

Said Debora Greedy: “Pricing is beginning to climb, and that puts pressure on our production budgets. While we work hard to absorb what we can and find efficiencies, any sustained increases can affect timelines and competitiveness. It’s something we’re watching closely.”