Job Creation by Local Defense and Aerospace Firm Applauded

Richardson, TX – Gov. Rick Perry today announced a $1.67 million Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) award to Rockwell Collins Inc. to expand their operations in Texas. The company will lease 90,000 square feet of space to accommodate growth at its facility in Richardson, create 334 new, high-paying jobs and invest more than $6.7 million in machinery and equipment for the new building.

Rep. Jerry Madden, in whose House District the Rockwell Collins facility is located, offered high praise to local community leaders and members of the Governor’s team which brokered this financial incentive package that provides opportunities for significant gains on a variety of fronts. "It is no small accomplishment that Texas has successfully fostered a healthy business climate by rolling out an entrepreneur-friendly, investment-attracting, employment-expanding welcome mat. Given our state’s low-tax, minimal-regulation, right-to-work posture, it is not surprising that we have established and continue to maintain a lead role in helping America stay strong economically as well as militarily."

Rockwell Collins is a global leader in the design, production and support of communication and aviation electronics for commercial and military aircraft customers worldwide. The company supplies defense communication and defense electronic solutions to the U.S. Department of Defense, foreign militaries and manufacturers of military aircraft and helicopters. The Richardson operation will focus primarily on production of aviation electronics and communication systems for U.S. militaries.

The Legislature, at Gov. Perry’s request, created the TEF in 2003 and re-appropriated funding in 2005 and 2007 to help ensure the growth of Texas businesses and create more jobs throughout the state. The fund has since become one of the state’s most competitive tools to recruit and bolster business. To date, the TEF has closed the deal on projects generating more than 49,000 new jobs and $15.5 billion in capital investment in the state.

Rep. Madden supported the initial establishment and continued funding of the TEF. First elected 15 years ago by the residents of Plano, Richardson and Dallas which inhabit southwestern Collin County to be their voice in Austin, Rep. Madden currently serves as Chairman of the House Committee on Corrections, Co-Chair of the Select Committee on the Operation and Management of the Texas Youth Commission, and Chairman of the Criminal Justice Legislative Oversight Committee. In 2007, Texas Monthly named him as one of the "Ten Best" Legislators, due in large part to his leadership in criminal justice, and his respectful working relationships with members of both parties.

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