Ombra negotiating lease for planned expansion into Massena

Ombra founder and president Michael Fieldson says the technology and professional services company is negotiating a lease to expand into Massena, potentially opening an operation there as early as 2026 or in 2027.

Fieldson, a Massena native, discussed the plans during a Zoom presentation to the Massena Rotary Club. Ombra works primarily with the U.S. Department of Defense and has its headquarters in Tampa, Florida.

The company has operated an office at 19 Market St. in downtown Potsdam since 2023. Ombra bought the space next door to that office in 2025. The company's website says it has worked on Department of Defense projects since 2018.

Earlier plans called for a Massena facility of about 75,000 square feet for research, defense manufacturing and an artificial intelligence computing center. Fieldson previously estimated the project could cost tens of millions of dollars.

Ombra is also seeking 2 megawatts through St. Lawrence County's economic development power program, which uses New York Power Authority hydropower. The St. Lawrence County Industrial Development Agency passed a resolution supporting the request, but any allocation must still be approved by NYPA trustees.

Hiring is expected to begin after a Massena location is secured and a contract is signed. Ombra has discussed a goal of 50 jobs, although details about the final operation remain tied to the lease and other approvals.

Updates about the company are available through Ombra's website. Information about the power program is available from the New York Power Authority.