Ann Arbor.com reports that Information technology security firm Arbor Networks promises to add 20 new jobs to its Ann Arbor, Michigan R&D operations. In exchange, the Ann Arbor City Council unanimously agreed to give Arbor Networks a five-year abatement on $883,527 in real property improvements and $7.8 million in new personal property and equipment.
The tax break for the University of Michigan spin-off runs through Dec. 31, 2016. As part of the agreement, Arbor Networks will be required to add no less than 20 jobs by Dec. 31, 2013. The city’s administration recommended approval of the latest tax break, calling the attraction and retention of Arbor Networks’ operation consistent with the city’s economic growth objectives,
“The digital information business is continually changing with new and faster technology and Arbor Networks needs new test equipment and digital equipment, with anticipation of 20 new employees resulting to this facility,” City Assessor David Petrak wrote in a memo to council members.
Paul Krutko, president and CEO of the economic development group Ann Arbor SPARK also supported the action in a statement; “Attracting and retaining Arbor Networks in the Ann Arbor region is reflective of Ann Arbor SPARK’s work to help IT businesses grow in the region.”
Arbor Networks is a leading provider of network security and management solutions for next-generation data centers and carrier networks, including most of the world’s Internet service providers and many of the largest enterprise networks in use today. Arbor’s proven network security and management solutions help grow and protect customer networks, businesses and brands.
rb-
The Michigan techie jobs story keeps growing and maybe I was wrong about Arbor Networks abandoning Michigan.
Related articles
Ralph Bach has been in IT long enough to know better and has blogged from his Bach Seat about IT, careers, and anything else that catches his attention since 2005. You can follow him on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. Email the Bach Seat here.