Software company expansion boosts state’s IT sector

California-based Nexient’s investment brings 300 tech jobs to Ann Arbor

LANSING, Mich. – Nexient, a global-leading software services provider, will expand its business operations in Ann Arbor, providing a decisive boost to Michigan’s ongoing effort to attract tech companies and talent to the state.

“Our economic reinvention already has connected more than 540,000 Michiganders with new private-sector jobs,” said Gov. Rick Snyder. “The demand for talented workers in dynamic fields like computer science and the professional trades continues to grow. And, as Michigan grows, we need to be ready.”

On Tuesday, the Michigan Strategic Fund board approved a $1.5 million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant to California-based Nexient in support of the project. Nexient is committed to invest $4.17 million and create 300 high-skilled, high-wage tech jobs.

Approximately 112,350 jobs in the state are supported by the IT industry, according to EMSI Labor Market Analytics. Michigan’s growth in IT-related employment between 2011 and 2017 stood at 18 percent, compared to 16 percent nationally.

Nexient is a leading provider of 100-percent U.S.-based Agile software services. Established in 2009, the company is headquartered in Silicon Valley and has locations in Michigan and Indiana.

The company’s expansion comes as a response to increasing demand from high-tech and corporate clients looking to develop software faster as a response to customers’ needs.

“U.S. businesses are looking for new ways to drive revenue, design great customer experiences and accelerate to market,” said Mark Orttung, CEO, Nexient. “They’re realizing that offshoring doesn’t always make sense in that context. Nexient’s product-minded approach gives them a better option, collaborating in real-time with exceptional designers, product managers and engineers right here in America.”

Hiring has begun at Nexient’s Pittsfield Township facility, with jobs expected to attract experienced technology professionals and new graduates.

Headquartered in Silicon Valley, Nexient’s primary technology hub is located in Ann Arbor, where company officials point to “a strong talent pool” in the region. Since opening the hub in 2010, Nexient has doubled its capacity and created hundreds of local jobs in digital product design, development and quality engineering. The company has smaller centers in Okemos, and Kokomo, IN.

“From helping it find its first site in Ann Arbor to helping it find the talent that fuels its continued growth, Ann Arbor SPARK is proud to have played a role in Nexient’s success over the last eight years,” said Paul Krutko, president/CEO, Ann Arbor SPARK. “Thriving innovation companies like Nexient are at the heart of the economic success that sets Ann Arbor apart from other regions.”

Ann Arbor SPARK is an economic development organization that serves the Ann Arbor region, which has been ranked number one in Best College Towns, Best Places to Live, and Most Educated Cities in America.

According to company officials, the company uses “product-minded” software development that focuses on revenue growth and customer experience, helping clients achieve faster, more market-driven development. Nexient serves a range of industries, including retail, high tech, healthcare, financial services, media, utilities, manufacturing, logistics, travel and hospitality.

“The decision by Nexient to expand in the Ann Arbor area demonstrates that Michigan’s friendly business climate and our state’s world-class talent make Michigan a top destination for tech companies to locate, expand and grow new jobs,” said Jeff Mason, CEO, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, which administers incentives and programs on behalf of MSF.

Gov. Snyder has called for more investment in innovative talent programs that focus on preparing students for in-demand fields including science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

For information on careers with Nexient, visit https://www.nexient.com/careers/.

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.