Phoenix Lures Two Bay-Area Companies

Phoenix is becoming more popular with Bay Area companies. The city has announced two deals in the past 24 hours - one company moving its corporate office to town and the other expanding its presence. Both companies will be hiring.

Have Patch Send You Breaking News Alerts And Newsletters

RJR Technologies, a semiconductor packaging company is moving its corporate headquarters from Oakland. They will also be opening a 30,000 square foot industrial space in southeast Phoenix. The company will invest around $2 million in opening an advanced manufacturing facility at 3602 E. LaSalle St., near Southern Avenue.

They will also be hiring 100 people starting immediately. The new office is expected to open May 1.

"We are witnessing a movement of business activity into the Greater Phoenix region, that is adding to the density of advanced industries companies supporting the economic base," said Chris Camacho, president and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council.

"The decision of RJR Technologies to move their headquarters to Phoenix proves this region has the talent, business climate and community attributes attractive to advanced technology companies."

Meanwhile, a second company from the Bay Area - Upgrade, Inc., a financial technology company - is expanding its presence in Phoenix, taking 38,000-square-feet on the 9th and 10th floors of the Renaissance Center.

The company, which says they will be hiring 100 people this year and 200 more next year, says they are moving and expanding its operation center to Phoenix because of the business climate.

"Downtown Phoenix offered everything we were looking for in a new office location – both for our company and our employees," said Renaud Laplanche, Upgrade Co-founder and CEO. "It is at the center of a dynamic business environment, is convenient to workforce living throughout the Valley and is surrounded by amenities, including a light rail stop right at the building."

The city says that attracting companies like Upgrade is part of the vision for urbanizing the Phoenix downtown with quality jobs, residential options and shopping opportunities. It’s another step in implementing the Phoenix City Council plan for Downtown Phoenix.

“Word is getting out that Phoenix is a rising hot spot for tech and entrepreneurship,” said Mayor Greg Stanton. “That’s why RJR – an exporter and leader in the semiconductor industry – pulled up stakes from the Bay Area and relocated their headquarters here, and why other Silicon Valley companies are choosing Phoenix as a perfect place to expand.”

Photo courtesy City of Phoenix