Facebook to Create 200 Jobs in Austin

Gov. Rick Perry announced on the Governor’s Office Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/TexasGovernor) that the state will invest $1.4 million through the Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) for Facebook to create a sales and operations office in Austin. This investment will create 200 jobs and more than $3.1 million in capital investment. The TEF funding is conditioned upon the finalization of a local incentive agreement with the City of Austin.

Natura World to Open Manufacturing Facility in Wichita Falls

Texas will invest $1.5 million through the Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) in Natura World for the opening of a manufacturing facility in Wichita Falls that will serve as the company’s U.S. headquarters. This investment will create 400 jobs for Texans and more than $24.9 million in capital investment.

Natura World manufactures mattresses, pillows and bedding products using organic and gel components called Gel Solutions. The Wichita Falls facility will be the company’s first U.S. based manufacturing and distribution facility.

“Opening a new operation in the U.S. gives us much needed room for expansion,” Natura World Inc. President Ralph Rossdeutscher said. “And it tells our customers we are committed to continuing our rapid growth. We had all but made the decision to locate in another state when I visited Wichita Falls and completely changed direction. Wichita Falls’ central location, excellent workforce, and generous incentives, including the Texas Enterprise Fund tipped the scales in their favor.”

“We are excited to welcome such an environmentally focused company to Wichita Falls,” Wichita Falls Mayor Lanham Lyne said. “In today’s challenging economic times, it’s rare to find a manufacturing company that has been so remarkably successful in recent years that they are forced to add capacity to meet growing market demands. This project simply would not have happened without the participation of the Texas Enterprise Fund and area leaders all pulling in the same direction. It proves once again that when we all work together the results are amazing.”

SIPCO new Manufacturing Facility in Cuero

The state will invest $300,000 through the Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) in SIPCO for the opening of a manufacturing facility in Cuero. The investment will create more than 100 jobs for Texans and more than $6 million in capital investment for this rural community.

SIPCO produces high-precision gear products for motion control, power transmission equipment and hydraulic systems, specializing in custom engineered products and high-volume production. Their products are used in many industries, including energy (wind, solar, and oilfield), robotics, packaging, printing, energy and material handling. SIPCO’s current focus is to increase its production capacity while to reducing their dependence on foreign suppliers through the development of this manufacturing facility.

“When looking to expand and implement our manufacturing component, SIPCO looked for a community with access to a wealth of resources essential in attaining our goals of providing customers with a quality stream of supply. In doing so we found the City of Cuero in Dewitt County whose populace is diverse, talented and resourceful,” SIPCO Mechanical Linkage Solutions CEO Raul A. Martinez said. “The Texas Enterprise Fund played a significant role and was a determining factor in our decision to locate our manufacturing expansion to Texas. We are extremely excited to have the active participation of Governor Rick Perry’s office, and the City of Cuero in SIPCO’s growth strategy.”

Allstate Insurance to Create 600 Jobs in San Antonio

The state will invest $1.1 million through the Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) in Allstate Insurance Co. for the opening of a bilingual customer information center in San Antonio. The company is committed to creating 200 jobs through the TEF investment, but anticipates generating up to 600 jobs and $11 million in capital investment.

This facility will help improve customer service by easing call volumes and expanding Allstate’s bi-lingual capabilities. Employees at the facility will be licensed in property and casualty insurance in all 50 states and most will be fluent in both English and Spanish.

“San Antonio is a terrific community that offers an enthusiastic and energetic population from which Allstate can select the best and brightest to help deliver on our commitment to a superior customer experience,” Allstate Vice President of Direct Sales and Service Mark Pitchford said. “The Texas Enterprise Fund was a critical factor in our decision to locate this facility in San Antonio. Thanks to the commitment of economic development officials in Governor Rick Perry’s office, Bexar County and the City of San Antonio, both Allstate and the community will mutually benefit from this exciting announcement.” 

“I applaud Allstate's investment in San Antonio and look forward to the employment opportunity that will be afforded to hundreds of San Antonians,” San Antonio Mayor Julián Castro said. “These are 600 new jobs that any community would be happy to have – and we are certainly thankful.”

“Texas’ economy has remained strong during this downturn and as the rest of the nation looks toward an economic upswing, we are at the forefront,” Judge Nelson Wolff said. “Allstate's decision to expand in Bexar County is another affirmation of this state's strong economic position.”

LegalZoom.com to Move Up To 600 Jobs to Austin

Gov. Rick Perry announced the state will invest $1 million through the Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) in LegalZoom.com for the relocation of certain office functions from Los Angeles to Austin. This investment will create up to 600 jobs and more than $11.7 million in capital investment.

LegalZoom provides online legal document services including LLCs, incorporations, last wills, living trusts, trademarks, patents and copyrights. The Austin office will include sales positions, order fulfillment, customer service and technical support representatives. LegalZoom plans to begin hiring immediately, and become fully operational in the coming months.

 “We’re thrilled with the City Council’s vote and are very excited to move forward with our Austin expansion plans. Since we started in 2000 we’ve been based solely in Los Angeles. So selecting our first location outside of Los Angeles was a very big decision for us, which we carefully considered for over 6 months,” LegalZoom President and Chief Operating Officer Frank Monestere said. “We sincerely appreciate the efforts of Governor Perry, the Austin City Council and Chamber of Commerce in crafting a very attractive incentive package through both the Texas Enterprise Fund and the City’s Economic Development Program. Their hard work and warm welcome were instrumental in our selecting Austin as our second home.”

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