Article Summary –
Arizona has received the prestigious “Gold Shovel” award from Area Development magazine for the fourth consecutive year, recognizing its success in attracting significant job-creating and investment projects. Key projects include LG Energy Solution’s $5.5 billion investment in Queen Creek and Amkor’s $2 billion semiconductor facility in Peoria. Governor Katie Hobbs praised the state’s achievements in innovation and advanced manufacturing. Other notable projects include Republic Services’ new headquarters in Phoenix, Benchmark Electronics’ facility in Mesa, and investments from Sysco, Rose Acre Farms, Ascent Aviation Services, Fortescue, Clayco, and Rehrig Pacific Company. These developments highlight Arizona’s robust economic growth and commitment to advancing the manufacturing and clean energy sectors.
Arizona has been awarded a prestigious “Gold Shovel” award by Area Development magazine in the 5-8 million population category. This marks the state’s fourth consecutive Gold Shovel award, recognizing Arizona’s success in attracting large job-creating and investment projects through innovative policies and infrastructure improvements. The awards highlight states that have attracted new employers and investments, leading to economic growth and job creation.
LG Energy Solution’s $5.5 billion investment in Queen Creek was recognized as one of 15 “Manufacturing Projects of the Year” and one of 10 “Cleantech Projects of the Year” by Area Development. This investment is expected to create thousands of new jobs in Arizona. Additionally, Amkor, a semiconductor packaging and testing company, was awarded one of 10 “Non-Manufacturing Projects of the Year” for its $2 billion facility in Peoria, creating 2,000 new jobs.
Since 2007, Arizona has won a total of six Gold Shovel and six Silver Shovel awards, with all six Gold Shovels being received in the past eight years. Governor Katie Hobbs expressed pride in Arizona’s recognition as a top state for innovation and advanced manufacturing, attracting high-tech investments and creating quality jobs across the state.
Arizona’s success in economic development has been attributed to projects across various industries, including batteries, semiconductors, renewable energy, aerospace, defense, and manufacturing. The state’s commitment to advancing manufacturing and clean energy projects has been acknowledged by industry leaders and government officials.
Republic Services, an environmental services industry leader, will relocate its corporate headquarters to Phoenix, representing a $60 million investment and creating over 600 new jobs. The 240,000-square-foot sustainable facility will support the additional jobs. Benchmark Electronics celebrated the grand opening of its new $20 million Precision Technologies facility in Mesa, creating 100 new jobs. The facility will provide engineering and manufacturing solutions and semiconductor capital equipment services. Sysco, a global foodservice distribution company, broke ground on its $102 million distribution facility in Mesa, creating over 250 new jobs. The 353,600-square-foot facility is expected to be operational by 2025.
Rose Acre Farms broke ground on its second egg production farm in La Paz County. Representing an over $100 million investment, the farm is expected to be complete by 2026 and create an additional 150 jobs. Ascent Aviation Services, an aircraft aftermarket services provider, is building two new wide-body aircraft hangars to establish a $55 million passenger-to-freighter conversion site in Marana, creating over 300 jobs. Fortescue, an Australian-based green energy company, announced plans to build the company’s first green hydrogen production facility in the U.S. in Buckeye, creating 40 new jobs. Clayco celebrated the grand opening of its Southwestern regional headquarters in Phoenix. The 48,000-square-foot office houses over 400 employees, which support several thousand skilled workers throughout the state. Rehrig Pacific Company, an integrated sustainable solutions manufacturer, broke ground on its new injection molding manufacturing facility in Buckeye, creating over 100 new jobs.
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