There’s no doubt – Arizona has become the international epicenter for advanced manufacturing.
This point was further driven home earlier this month when LG Energy Solution, a global battery producer, announced a $1.4 billion investment to build a state-of-the-art battery manufacturing facility in Queen Creek, creating thousands of jobs. The factory will be the company’s first-ever cylindrical-type battery plant in North America – further anchoring Arizona as a hub for electric vehicles and sustainable technologies.
LG joins an impressive list of globally reputable manufacturers choosing Arizona to expand their operations. In just the last five months, Arizona has successfully landed manufacturing projects from Edwards, Kohler, Xnrgy, Sunlit, EMD Electronics, Meyer Burger, Stryker, Leonardo, and more, representing diverse sectors such as semiconductors, renewable energy, home products, and medical technology.
These recent expansions build on landmark wins in recent years from Intel, TSMC, KORE Power, ElectraMeccanica, UACJ Whitehall, Lucid, Nikola, and more.
According to labor market analyst EMSI, Arizona had the second-highest percent increase in manufacturing employment between 2015 to 2019. With more than 6,000 manufacturing jobs added over the last year and thousands more coming online in the years ahead, number one looks like a lock.
The world’s foremost technology and manufacturing companies are choosing Arizona because we represent the complete package – a highly-skilled, growing workforce, modern infrastructure, affordable energy, an innovation mindset, and unbeatable quality of life. We also offer a world class business environment and supportive community that’s second to none.
Our premier business climate is a product of the visionary actions of our state leaders such as Governor Doug Ducey, Senate Leader Karen Fann, and Speaker Rusty Bowers, as well as local elected officials around the state. Their actions to simplify and lower taxes, remove unnecessary burdens, prioritize high-quality skills training and education opportunities, and invest in our infrastructure have created the means for industry to thrive.
There’s also advocates like the Greater Phoenix Chamber to thank. The work of the chamber and our many economic partners around the state help ensure Arizona stays ahead of our competitors when it comes to policies that support high-tech economic development.
A prime example is the passage of HB 2822, which recently received bipartisan support in the legislature and was signed by Governor Ducey on March 30th. This game-changing legislation lowers business personal property tax liability by 90% or more, making Arizona substantially more competitive for high-wage, high-tech jobs and industries. The law also benefits small business owners by simplifying and streamlining business personal property liability.
A special thanks to Danny Seiden, CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Greater Phoenix Chamber, and all the advocates who championed these reforms.
Economic development is a team sport. The world’s leading companies, as well as our impressive home-grown innovators, want to embed their operations in a supportive, welcoming community. In this area, Arizona can’t be beat! The Arizona Commerce Authority is grateful to be part of the best business community in the world and we look forward to working with all our partners to continue advancing our economy and opportunity for all Arizonans.