News Summary
Radiance Technologies is set to invest $370 million in a new secure microchip packaging facility in Ruston, Louisiana. The facility will create 150 direct jobs with an average salary of $85,000 and aims to foster local economic growth. Construction will begin in spring 2026, with completion expected by summer 2027. The project aligns with U.S. goals for self-sufficiency in microchip production and includes significant support from Louisiana Economic Development for equipment and training programs.
Ruston, Louisiana: Radiance Technologies Plans $370 Million Investment in Microchip Facility
Radiance Technologies, a defense contractor based in Alabama, has announced plans to invest $370 million in constructing a secure microchip packaging facility in Ruston, Louisiana. The new facility aims to create 150 direct jobs with an average salary of $85,000, significantly higher than the average wage in the area. This investment is expected to contribute to local economic growth and reflect a strategic emphasis on enhancing domestic chip manufacturing.
The facility will occupy 40,000 square feet and will focus on microchip research and development, as well as design and fabrication operations. Construction is projected to commence in spring 2026 and conclude by the summer of 2027. Alongside the direct employment opportunities, the project is anticipated to generate an additional 146 indirect jobs, bringing the total job creation tally to nearly 300 positions.
In support of this initiative, Louisiana Economic Development (LED) will grant $20 million in performance-based funds for equipment purchases through the Louisiana Tech University Foundation. Furthermore, LED plans to allocate an additional $17 million to Louisiana Tech University for upgrading research equipment and facilitating training programs in secure chip manufacturing.
Strategic Importance and Economic Impact
This investment aligns with former President Donald Trump’s objective of promoting U.S. self-sufficiency in microchip production, as concerns grow around the country’s reliance on foreign manufacturers. The facility’s construction supports the “America First” program, focused on reshoring domestic manufacturing of essential components. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has expressed support for this venture, highlighting its relevance to national interests.
According to Radiance Technologies CEO Bill Bailey, the facility is intended to cultivate a robust ecosystem in Louisiana conducive to advanced technology and manufacturing. This initiative is expected to increase opportunities for local university students, enhancing their experiential learning and allowing faculty to engage more significantly in research and development activities.
Location and Community Collaboration
The new facility will be strategically located on a 37-acre Secure Business Park next to the Ruston Sports Complex, on land provided by the city. The city of Ruston has actively facilitated this partnership, which originated from a serendipitous conversation between city officials and Radiance CEO Bill Bailey during a trip to Washington, D.C., approximately four years ago.
Regional Economic Development
The announcement of the Radiance Technologies facility adds to a growing list of economic development projects in the region, following recent news of Meta planning a $10 billion AI data center in Richland Parish. This trend signifies North Louisiana’s emerging status as a hub for advanced manufacturing and technology, further enhancing its attractiveness to potential businesses and investors.
As the construction of the new microchip facility in Ruston progresses, stakeholders anticipate that it will not only bolster local employment but also establish the area as a key player in the secure manufacturing domain, responding to contemporary challenges in the technology and defense sectors.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- KNOE: Radiance Technologies Announces $80 Million Microchip Facility
- Wikipedia: Microchip
- Ruston Leader: Plans for Ruston Microchip Plant Unveiled
- Google Search: Microchip manufacturing
- KTBS: LA Tech and Radiance Technologies Announce $80M Microchip Facility
- Google Scholar: Microchip manufacturing in Louisiana
- Shreveport-Bossier Advocate: Radiance Technologies Expands with New Microchip Plant
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Microchip technology
- Black Chronicle: Louisiana Commits $37M to Microchip Facility
- Google News: Radiance Technologies
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
