Systems In Motion Chooses Ann Arbor for Expansion

MEDC, Ann Arbor SPARK, ETCS, MDIT and EMU Collaborate to Attract 1,085 Jobs, $15M in Investment

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Sept. 22 /PRNewswire/ — Systems In Motion, a Silicon Valley-based IT services firm, has chosen to locate a new support center in the Ann Arbor region. Systems In Motion was approved today for state tax credits by the Michigan Economic Growth Authority board, and will also receive support from Ann Arbor SPARK, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Washtenaw County Employment Training and Community Services (ETCS-Michigan Works!), Michigan Department of Information Technology and Eastern Michigan University (EMU).

"A collaboration among state and regional partners to provide Systems In Motion with the training resources, tax incentives and other business-critical support helped the company choose Michigan over competing sites," said Ken Theis, director, Michigan Department of Information Technology. "Growing companies often need far more resources and support than one entity can provide, so by recognizing shared strengths and coming together to fill the gaps, collaborative efforts, like the one in place to bring Systems In Motion to Michigan, can help grow our economy and bring thriving businesses to our state."

Venture-backed Systems In Motion combines the best practices of global service delivery, with strategic investments in intellectual capital and assets built for next generation technology architectures. The company was considering Texas and Ohio for its new service center location before choosing the Ann Arbor region.

"We’re delighted to be able to join with state, county and local agencies, as well as education institutions in Michigan to build a true Public/Private Partnership," said Neeraj Gupta, CEO, Systems In Motion. "Systems In Motion’s Ann Arbor facilities will drive technology leadership for global enterprises, while providing an important job creation engine for the local community."

As part of its incentives package, Systems In Motion will receive up to $1.5 million in workforce development funding that reflects a strong collaboration between ETCS and EMU. Combined, ETCS and EMU will provide $10,000 in education to each Systems In Motion employee as well as 50 percent on-the-job training.

"Educational and skills development resources were important factors in Systems In Motion’s decision to choose the Ann Arbor region for its new service center," said Trenda Rusher, director, ETCS-Michigan Works!. "By working with EMU and Ann Arbor SPARK, we were able to show Systems In Motion that we could develop their workforce through leading-edge training and education, providing a key differentiator for the Ann Arbor region over competing sites. Access to this type of worker training and educational funding is a strong driver of economic development."

Systems In Motion will create 1,085 new jobs in the Ann Arbor region over the next five years. Additionally, the company will invest over $15 million in capital.

ABOUT SYSTEMS IN MOTION
Systems In Motion is an IT Service company headquartered in Fremont, CA. the firm is driving the development of a uniquely cost efficient "Inshore" IT service model that combines global innovation in service delivery with local implementation capabilities. Systems In Motion’s operational expertise, coupled with investments in service development tools, accelerates the deployment of business-aligned IT. Key services delivered include design, development, implementation, testing and support for technology products, applications and IT Infrastructure. For more information, please call Debashish Sinha at (415) 367-4479 or visit www.systemsinmotion.com.

ABOUT ANN ARBOR SPARK
Ann Arbor SPARK, a non-profit organization, is the driving force in establishing the Ann Arbor region as a destination for business expansion, retention, and location by identifying and meeting the needs of business at every stage, from startups to large organizations. Ann Arbor SPARK represents all communities in the Washtenaw County. Ann Arbor SPARK collaborates with business, academic, government, and community investor partners including the University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University, Washtenaw Community College, Michigan Works!/ETCS, Washtenaw County, the City of Ann Arbor, the Bank of Ann Arbor and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. For more information, please call (734) 761-9317 or visit www.AnnArborUSA.org.