Garmin Expands and Adds Jobs in Chandler

CHANDLER, AZ (June 11, 2013) — Garmin, the world leader in Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) devices is expanding its operations in Chandler, AZ.  After a competitive, nationwide process, the company will build a 60,000 square foot building in the Chandler Corporate Center where it has leased space for the last five years.

“Garmin is exactly the kind of quality, high-tech employer that we need in Arizona,” said Governor Jan Brewer. “I thank Garmin for its continued investment in our state and its ongoing role in helping drive the Arizona Comeback.”

This continued expansion of the city’s technology platform is indicative of Chandler’s strong position in vying for technology companies.

“These are the elite technology jobs, and employees in this industry can choose to live anywhere,” said Mayor Jay Tibshraeny. “You have to have an excellent community and sense of place in order to attract and retain companies like Garmin.”

Garmin will add 141 new software and product development jobs over the next three years, and has committed to $11 million in capital investment.  The Chandler office will help support Garmin’s software engineering needs, including aviation, automotive OEM, and desktop applications.

“Garmin has been a longtime employer in Chandler and the greater Phoenix area, because it offers a highly-skilled workforce,” said Kevin Rauckman, Garmin’s chief financial officer.  “Investing in the construction of our own facility signals a long-term commitment to Chandler and the state of Arizona.”

Chandler was selected over several other states in a highly competitive process.

“Garmin is a champion of next-generation technologies, and we are so pleased the company has selected Arizona as a foundation for continued growth,” said Sandra Watson, President and CEO, Arizona Commerce Authority.  “This Chandler expansion will create high-wage jobs and generate cutting-edge research and development, strengthening our statewide economy and bolstering Arizona’s base of idea-generation and innovation.”

“The fact that Chandler was able to help this high-tech company expand within the city is a testament to the growing technology culture, tech talent and quality of life there as well as the coordinated effort shown by Mayor Tibshraeny and Chandler’s economic development staff,” GPEC President & CEO Barry Broome said.

Garmin has expanded three times at its current location near Chandler and McClintock and has selected LGE Design Build as its contractor for the LEED certified building.

“Its projects like this that are continuing to bolster Arizona’s economy,” said David Sellers, President, LGE Design Build. “We are proud to have been selected to design/build this new facility for Garmin.”

Construction will begin late this summer with an expected completion in the first half of 2014.

Media Contact

Nicole McTheny, Arizona Commerce Authority, (602) 845-1231, [email protected]

About the Arizona Commerce Authority

The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is the state’s leading economic development organization with a streamlined mission to grow and strengthen Arizona’s economy. The ACA uses a three-pronged approach to advance the overall economy: attract, expand, create – attract out-of-state companies to establish operations in Arizona; work with existing companies to expand their business in Arizona and beyond; and help entrepreneurs create new Arizona businesses in targeted industries. For more information, please visit azcommerce.com and follow the ACA on Twitter at @azcommerce.