The company is researching and developing a new vehicle transmission system in the facility that includes areas for molding, finishing and grinding new parts as well as analyzing them for content and shape to ensure the parts are light and durable.
Jeff Cole, senior director of corporation communications for Dana, said the company spent $15 million on the 40,000-square-foot facility. The building can accommodate up to 100 employees, including mechanical and software engineers, and also has room for future expansion, Cole said.
Dana Executive Vice President Mark Wallace said the company chose Cedar Park for its technology center because of its growth, proximity to universities and available workforce in the tech sector. Dana’s partnership with Fallbrook Technologies, also located in Cedar Park, also drew Dana to the area, he said.
“It’s a fast-growing city with a lot of new technology companies moving in,” Wallace said.
One of Dana’s newest technologies is VariGlide, a vehicle transmission system developed in Cedar Park with Fallbrook. Wallace said that once Dana has contracts with manufacturers to use the VariGlide technology, the Cedar Park facility can also do its own light manufacturing.
In 2013 the city approved an incentive agreement that provides Dana with about $1.27 million in city incentives if the company hires at least 80 employees by 2019. Another incentive agreement approved in 2014 would provide property tax reimbursement and about $418,000 in incentives to another technology company, Voltabox of Texas Inc. The battery manufacturer plans to open its new building July 20.
Incentives help draw high-tech industries that bring high-earning employees who will likely live and spend money in Cedar Park, Mayor Matt Powell said.
“We try to get all the red tape out of the way for a company to either start here and grow in force or to relocate here,” Powell said. “We’ve got a tremendous workforce.”
Scottsdale Crossing Commerce Park
Now open: Dana Holding Corp.
- Opened June 17
- $15 million facility includes 40,000 square feet
- 35 employees
- Must hire at least 80 employees by 2019 to receive city incentive of about $1.27 million
- Researches and develops vehicle transmission components for a new system called VariGlide
Based in Maumee, Ohio - 512-690-2424
- www.dana.com
Opening in July: Voltabox of Texas Inc.
- Grand opening event set for July 20
- $6 million facility includes 22,000 square feet
- Seeks to hire 13 employees, aiming for 35
- Must hire 10 employees by 2019 to receive city incentive of 50 percent property tax reimbursement, and must build a road between Toll 183A and Scottsdale Drive to receive city incentive of about $418,000
- Manufactures lithium-ion battery systems for business and city transportation vehicles
- Only other location is in Delbruck, Germany
- www.voltabox.com/company/voltabox-of-texas-usa
