Whitmer Breaks Ground at High-Tech Software Company

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

June 29, 2021

Contact: Kathleen Achtenberg, achtenbergk@michigan.org

Governor Whitmer Breaks Ground at High-Tech Software Company TechSmith’s New International Headquarters in East Lansing  

“TechSmith’s investment in East Lansing proves once again that Michigan is a world leader in innovation and further cements the Lansing region as a tech and professional services hub in the state,” said Governor Whitmer. “This new headquarters facility will create up to 50 new good-paying, high-tech jobs for Michigan workers and underscores the strength of Michigan’s tech talent. As we jumpstart Michigan’s economy, today’s groundbreaking is helping to build the path for economic growth and recovery right here in mid-Michigan.”

TechSmith is a high-tech software development company focusing on capturing screen content for better communication. Its software is used as aides for training, tutorials, scholastic lessons and everyday communication. The company is consolidating five existing facilities into one new headquarters building to be built near the former Spartan Village in East Lansing. The greenspace will need infrastructure investment to connect utilities, water drainage, fiber optics and road improvements. The Michigan State University Foundation has agreed to cover most of the infrastructure improvements with an estimated investment of about $2 million.

“We’re pleased to welcome TechSmith to a location closer to our campus,” said MSU President Samuel L. Stanley Jr., M.D. “They have been a great collaborator with the university for over a decade and this move will facilitate opportunities to further build upon our relationship.”

The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $15 million with the support of a $250,000 Jobs Ready Michigan performance-based grant from the Michigan Strategic Fund, awarded in December. Michigan was chosen over competing sites in Florida, Texas and Maryland.

“In a growing tech company, it’s all about attracting and enabling the right talent,” said Wendy Hamilton, TechSmith CEO. “We look forward to providing a world-class tech facility to our amazing team that reinforces our culture, creativity, and collaboration. We are also committed to supporting Michigan State University and the Lansing region as community stakeholders and would like to thank so many partners that have helped get us to this partnership off the ground-  including MSU, the MSU Foundation, the City of East Lansing, the Lansing Economic Area Partnership, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, and other partners. ”

The Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) assisted TechSmith in identifying and evaluating locations throughout the region. Additionally, LEAP has been vital to partnering and packaging TechSmith’s project with key governmental agencies and local business partners.

“This project will create and retain good, high paying jobs in a booming industry and at an internationally known local company – precisely the high-value targeted jobs people want and the type of jobs we need in the region,” said Bob Trezise, president and CEO of LEAP.

Since its founding, TechSmith has focused on embracing an employee-centric mindset and prides itself on offering compensation packages that exceed industry standards, along with providing professional pathways for every employee. To find and attract talent, TechSmith also has an extensive internship program that brings interns to the Lansing area each summer from many different universities and colleges, as well as providing year-round internships to local students from MSU and Lansing Community College.

The company expects the new building to be a recruiting tool that will include modern design, open work areas and employee comforts mimicking accommodations found at software companies based in Silicon Valley.

The project builds on economic prosperity efforts led by MEDC by supporting a business in the target industries of tech and professional and corporate services and fostering high-wage job growth.

“The Lansing area continues to establish itself as a growing tech and professional services hub in the state and this investment by TechSmith further underscores the competitive advantages our state is has to offer growing tech businesses – from the strength of our business climate to our talented workforce. Michigan is grateful for the TechSmith team’s continued vote of confidence in Michiganders,” said Josh Hundt, Chief Business Development Officer and Executive Vice President of MEDC. “We’re proud to work with LEAP, the MSU Foundation and other local partners as we send the message that Michigan’s economy is recovering, and we are going to keep this momentum going.”

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.