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NVIDIA Technology Center in Ann Arbor

Monday, September 23, 2013
by Tom Stachler,ABR,CDPE - Group One Realty Team

NVIDIA, a Santa Clara, California-based global technology company, announced in August that it was opening of a sparkling new technology center in Avis Farms, Michigan, just south of Ann Arbor.

Although it doesn't have the name recognition of other giant tech companies, like Microsoft or Google, NVIDIA's software assists in the designing of myriad components and products that are integral parts of many of the electronic devices most of us use in our everyday lives.

The company its software products provide applications and functions to such disparate, wide-ranging items as smartphones, motion picture special effects and vehicle electronics. It is this latter tool that provided the impetus for NVIDIA to bring its state-of-the-art tech center to the Ann Arbor area.

“I’m pleased to see more technology-focused companies look to the state of Michigan as a resourceful Home and partner, Michael Finney, president and CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, said on NVIDIA's corporate blog. "NVIDIA’s commitment to the state of Michigan is an encouraging sign for future growth and jobs in the technology and automotive industries.”

At the Ann Arbor Tech Center, its approximately 20 onsite employees will work with many of the nearby automotive manufacturers, such as Chrysler, Ford, GM and Volkswagen, to develop “infotainment” systems, in-vehicle applications and other such software aimed specifically at the industry. In fact, in-dash digital instrument clusters powered by NVIDIA products and components are already being used in several car makes and models, including, but not limited to, Bentley, Lamborghini, Rolls-Royce and Tesla.

According to NVIDIA marketing director Danny Shapiro, additional supercomputing and graphics development work will probably take place at the center.

The three brain wizards who together founded NVIDIA in 1993 are

  • Jen-Hsun Huang (company's CEO as of 2013) - Former Director of CoreWare with LSI Logic and microprocessor designer with Advanced Micro Devices (AMD)
  • Chris Malachowsky - Former electrical engineer with Sun Microsystems
  • Curtis Priem - Former Sun Microsystems' senior engineer and graphics chip designer

According to a 2002 article in Forbes, Huang, Malachowsky and Priem secured the necessary capital funding for this venture from Sequoia Capital.

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Barracuda Networks Adds More Jobs in Ann Arbor

Monday, August 13, 2012
by Tom Stachler,ABR,CDPE - Group One Realty Team

On June 27, Barracuda Networks, headquartered in Campbell, California, made two big announcements that will bring great benefit to Ann Arbor. The information security company unveiled a plan to expand its local workforce by about 184 new employees (adding to its current staff of 180), and Barracuda also said it will relocate from 201 Depot Street to the space formerly occupied by Borders bookstore.

Over three years, as it moves to 317 Maynard in downtown Ann Arbor, Barracuda anticipates adding 184 high-tech and engineering jobs and it plans to invest between $6 million and $7 million. This is one of the biggest commercial leases in recent Ann Arbor history. Barracuda will occupy the rear portion of the building that also previously housed Borders’ East Liberty Street store, which is owned by First Martin Corporation.

Barracuda looked at about 100 possible venues, but the downtown Ann Arbor building was the most appealing. Ann Arbor SPARK and the Ann Arbor office of Colliers International worked with Barracuda to find the right location.

John Teeter, property manager at First Martin, indicated that renovations would be underway in early July to transform the former Borders Books space into an appealing, high-tech office space. Plans call for Barracuda to move in this fall.

The project includes remodeling the façade, adding windows along the Maynard Street frontage, and constructing a small engineering data center along with a training center, exercise facilities, and break rooms with games.

A key for Barracuda was the City of Ann Arbor’s offer to provide a 5-year tax abatement estimated to be worth $85,150, while the Michigan Economic Development Corporation also offered up to $1.2 million.

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder said, "The expansion of Barracuda Networks demonstrates the importance of our strategy to help companies grow and flourish. This investment highlights the value of Michigan's highly competitive business climate and incredible workforce abilities for cutting-edge companies looking to expand."

According the company’s director of new product initiatives, Sean Heiney, Barracuda is now hiring about two employees per week. “Barracuda Networks continues to thrive, and Ann Arbor is critical to that success,” said Heiney. “We’re doubling down on our commitment to the region, bringing new and exciting jobs that are helping to shape our new economy. We’re extremely thrilled about our expansion and look forward to breathing new life into such an iconic space downtown.”

According to Barracuda, the company will be staffing positions including software engineers, systems administrators, user experience designers and quality assurance staff, among others. Heiney said Barracuda is hiring all types of different employees to work at the Ann Arbor office, including engineering, support, sales and customer service. Those interested in applying can visit http://www.barracudalabs.com/recruit/.

Barracuda’s move is obviously great news for the business community and Ann Arbor overall. When the community attracts well-paid, professional jobs it naturally carries over into other sectors, including restaurants, service businesses, real estate and many others.

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