Connecticut invested $1.5 million into a “smart thermostat” maker that quietly relocated operations and employees to Bristol from the West Coast, authorities say.
Connecticut Innovations Inc. announced Monday its stake in Emme E2MS LLC, formerly of Beaverton, Ore., through its Eli Whitney Fund.
Emme intially moved here with two employees, and has since hired six more at its new offices at 32 Valley St., CI spokeswoman Pam Hartley said. A ninth employee is based outside Connecticut. Additional Connecticut hires are planned over time, Hartley said.
Emme markets its proprietary system of wireless temperature sensors to manage energy use in commercial buildings.
Introduced in 2004, the product sells under the Home Comfort Zones brand.
Its move has already created eight Connecticut jobs in engineering, installation/service technical support, finance, and management, officials said.
CI has a seat on Emme’s board.
