Austin announces proposed agreement with National Instruments for 1,000 jobs, expansion

The City of Austin announced Feb. 21 a proposed economic development agreement with National Instruments Corp. that would add 1,000 new jobs to its Northwest Austin–based headquarters, located at 11500 N. MoPac.

Once City Council approves the agreement, NI is eligible to receive $4.4 million from the state's Texas Enterprise Fund, which was formed in 2003 to help Texas businesses grow and to create more jobs in the state.

"Central Texas' flourishing high-tech industry is further strengthened by National Instruments' expansion, which will create 1,000 technical and engineering jobs and bolster Austin's status as a hub for research, development and innovation," Gov. Rick Perry said in a news release. "Texas' continued focus on STEM [science, technology, engineering and math] education is a natural fit and will ensure the Lone Star State continues to provide the capable workforce necessary for high-tech employers like National Instruments to thrive."

The jobs would be full-time engineering and technology as well as research and development positions. The proposal includes the construction of a 300,000-square-foot facility on about 8.5 acres adjacent to the headquarters. The project is expected to begin July 1. National Instruments will offer pay starting at $11 per hour for all construction workers and full-time employees, according to a news release from the city.

"It's a great opportunity for Austin," said Ben Ramirez, acting economic development manager for the city.

Ramirez said the company has participated in eight children's outreach STEM programs. He said the city is excited for NI to continue its outreach programs, which the company might expand. NI provides outreach to about 3,500 Central Texas students each year, according to the city's news release.

The information technology company currently has 2,440 employees at its Austin office and has about 6,850 employees total, Ramirez said. The company has offices in more than 40 nations, according to its website. According to the city's agreement, the location of NI's research and development facility at its headquarters will stimulate commercial and business activity in Austin and further state and local economic development.

"Austin is a special place, and it continues to attract employers from around the world and opportunities for people who are here," state Sen. Kirk Watson, D-Austin, said in a news release. "Nevertheless, we're in a competition with other cities and regions for these kinds of jobs. It speaks well of Austin that National Instruments has chosen to stay here and to grow here."

For more information about the project or to submit comments, visit the Economic Growth and Redevelopment Services Office website at www.austintexas.gov/economicgrowth.