Business Attraction in Tucson Builds on Small Business Success

While perhaps not significant in numbers of new jobs by most standards, recent employer relocations to greater Tucson signal a positive trend. With 2013’s positive absorption in the Tucson industrial market fueled by expansion of local, small businesses, business attraction points to our market’s affordability and workforce readiness.

In addition to the confirmed announcements below, Tucson joins the state of Arizona in the coveted hunt for a reported 6,500 Tesla jobs, as one of several states on the short list for a gigabattery factory. Tucson’s rail, abundant land, and research University are believed to be attractive assets, despite the state’s inability to provide meaningful incentives.

Duralar Technologies: Nanotech company and maker of ultra-hard coatings to lease 5,000 sf in the Northwest for its US Headquarters, opening in May 2014, plans to hire 30 largely science, engineering and technician positions.

Quik Tek Assembly: This Raytheon supplier announced an expansion into Tucson, leasing 8,000 sf with hiring plans of 50 over 5 years. Jobs are a mix of engineering, manufacturing, technician and admin. Quik Tek hopes to be involved in workforce development.

Zucarmex: A Mexican producer of liquefied sugar signed at Century Park/Port of Tucson, initially taking 30,000 sf with plans to hire 20, growing to 50. Their executive is quoted as saying Tucson could ultimately house a consolidation of their five U.S. distribution sites and will service all West Coast markets, benefiting from local rail infrastructure.

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Barbi Reuter, RPA oversees Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR’s operations, research, finance and marketing/social media activities and serves as Associate Broker. One of 13 company Principals, she is active in industry and community leadership, through such organizations as Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW), Greater Tucson Leadership, Arizona Town Hall, Women Presidents’ Organization, and board work for the Tucson Girls Chorus and PICOR Charitable Foundation.

Photo credits: lynsims.com, bigstockphoto.com