The Chamber has been working with HID Global, a worldwide leader in secure identity solutions, as it considers Austin as a potential location for the consolidation of manufacturing and distribution operations, creating 276 jobs with an average wage of $51,398.
The Austin project will include the construction of an approximately 200,000 square foot Manufacturing Center of Excellence on approximately 19 acres with a capital investment of approximately $35,250,000.
Currently, the company is moving through the local incentive approvals process. This week Governor Rick Perry announced that the state will invest $1.9 million through the Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF), contingent upon finalization of local incentives. The City of Austin also announced its economic development incentive proposal which includes a performance-based grant over a 10-week period with a total incentive estimated at $920,576. A presentation on the proposal is scheduled for September 12 and City Council will consider it on September 27.
Chamber staff and business leaders facilitated this project over the past few years:
- 2009 – A “cold call” resulted in the first meeting with the company during the Chamber’s annual Southern CA Mission Trip.
- 2010 – A second meeting was held with the company during the Chamber’s annual Southern CA Mission Trip.
- 2011 – Company hired a consultant to conduct a labor study to see if Austin could support this type of project. Based on data provided through the Chamber and local company interviews, Austin was then short listed.
Facilitation of incentive applications through the State and local entities.
