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Camgian to move into new Research Park office |
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Tuesday, 09 February 2010 |
By PAUL SIMS
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As a Starkville microelectronics company looks to move into a new nearby space, local officials will enter into a deal to allow time to secure a new tenant for the firm’s current office.
Three-year-old Camgian Microsystems will occupy approximately 12,000 square feet the new multi-tenant building under construction in the Thad Cochran Research, Technology and Economic Development Park, said Jack Wallace, president of the Oktibbeha County Economic Development Authority.
“Due to the growth and success of Camgian, they’ll be moving into the new building for more space,” Wallace said.
The company presently occupies about 7,000 square feet as both a headquarters and semiconductor design and engineering operation.
At its Monday meeting, the OCEDA Board authorized Wallace to sign an agreement with Mississippi State University to hold the office Camgian currently occupies in the current Multi-Tenant Building for 15 days after Camgian moves into its new space.
Officials have a potential occupant for Camgian’s present facility, which is located in the northeast corner of the existing Multi-Tenant Building. The 15-day period allows OCEDA and MSU “time to lock in the potential client,” Wallace said after the meeting.
The new building – which Wallace expects will be complete around July or August – will have 26,000 square feet of leasable space, he said.
Camgian – an advanced semiconductor solutions company which supports both commercial and government semiconductor engineering and development – began in January 2007. Its work has applications in next-generation electronic systems related to radar, wireless communications and advanced electro-optical sensors.
In February 2009, Camgian acquired the Starkville design center of Cypress Semiconductor, saving 15 jobs in the community.
Last month, the company reported a 213 percent rise in fiscal year revenue over the previous year as of Dec. 31.
In other matters, the board:
• Heard an audit report which Wallace characterized after the meeting as “excellent.”
Wallace did say the report recommended OCEDA officials assure they’re signing off on bank reconciliation statements, which they do review but have not signed “and we will.”
• Listened as Greater Starkville Development Partnership President and CEO explained gap incentives. He clarified these after the meeting.
The county qualifies for the gap incentives which he said is a “huge benefit” to attracting business and expanding industry.
The incentive comes through the Mississippi Development Authority and allows for tax incentives on the local and state level.
• Heard from Maynard that II VI, a silicon carbide company which has housed its Wide Bandgap Materials Group in Starkville, is exploring its expansion options in the region. II VI is co-located with SemiSouth in the Research Park.
Also, Maynard clarified after the meeting that there is one aerospace industry prospect looking at Golden Triangle Regional Airport and a data center prospect looking in Oktibbeha County.
• Learned from Melvin Ray, associate vice president for economic development at MSU, that Marc McGee – director of MSU’s Sponsored Programs Administration – will be the director for the Research Park and the university’s Research and Technology Corp.
McGee, who has been the Research Park’s interim director, starts his new role Feb. 16.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 10 February 2010 )
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