Staying close to its roots, National Instruments is choosing to expand in its hometown.
"National Instruments was founded in Austin over 35 years ago and has grown to a global company, supplying tools to scientists and engineers around the world to accelerate productivity, innovation, and discovery," National Instruments Chief Operating Officer Alex Davern said.
National Instruments designs and manufactures electronic measurement hardware and software, with operations throughout the U.S., Canada and 45 other countries.
"The business-friendly climate in Texas, along with our commitment of intense investment in research and development, is helping drive long-term job growth and economic development in Central Texas," Davern added.
Part of the friendly climate is $4.4 million in funding assistance the Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) provided to close the deal on the expansion of the R&D center.
The company will invest $80 million to develop a 300,000 square foot facility located adjacent to the company's current site in North Austin.
"Central Texas' flourishing high tech industry is further strengthened by National Instruments' expansion, and bolsters Austin's status as a hub for research, development and innovation," Gov. Rick Perry said.
The Legislature created the TEF in 2003 and has re-appropriated funding in every legislative session since then to help create jobs. TEF projects must be approved by the governor, lieutenant governor and speaker of the House. To date, the TEF has invested more than $497.8 million and closed the deal on projects generating more than 67,300 new jobs and more than $18.7 billion in capital investment in the state.
