With support from Ann Arbor SPARK and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, KLA-Tencor Corporation is establishing a research and development facility in Ann Arbor. This new office for the global firm is expected to result in a regional investment that exceeds $70 million and the creation of up to 500 jobs.
KLA-Tencor is a global capital equipment company headquartered in Milpitas, California. It supplies process control and yield management systems for the semiconductor and related nanoelectronics industries. KLA-Tencor develops and manufactures inspection, metrology and data analysis systems.
“KLA-Tencor choosing to establish its research and development operations in Ann Arbor is a huge win for the region,” said Paul Krutko, president and CEO of Ann Arbor SPARK. “It’s not only a boost to the economy in terms of investment and new jobs, but it’s a boost to our visibility globally as a place where Silicon Valley companies are choosing to expand. KLA-Tencor’s decision to choose Ann Arbor is recognition of the critical importance that the University of Michigan’s research, talent and leadership has in bringing in new companies to our region.”
Rick Wallace, KLA-Tencor’s chief executive officer, is a graduate of the University of Michigan.
Ann Arbor SPARK worked with the company, the University of Michigan, MEDC and local municipalities for several months as it looked at competing locations in the United States and Canada. Its work with KLA-Tencor included facilitating introductions to local business leaders to discuss talent acquisition, and key ecosystem and academic partners. Ann Arbor SPARK also helped the company through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s process for obtaining the incentives that helped push Ann Arbor ahead of the competition.
Additionally, Ann Arbor SPARK provided site selection services as KLA-Tencor scouted a location for its new research and development space. At present, the company intends to locate at a “soft landing” space while it finds a permanent home in Ann Arbor.
About Ann Arbor SPARK
Ann Arbor SPARK, a non-profit organization, is advancing the region by encouraging and supporting business acceleration, attraction and retention. The organization identifies and meets the needs of business at every stage, from start-ups to large organizations. Ann Arbor SPARK collaborates with business, academic, government, and community investor partners. For more information, please call (734) 761-9317 or visit www.AnnArborUSA.org.
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