Testronic will launch a new 150-job testing facility for digital games in New Orleans, LA. As one of the leading quality assurance firms in the digital gaming industry, Testronic provides outsourced testing services to a global game-development clientele. Testronic will open its new quality assurance location in the New Orleans Exchange Centre, formerly Chevron Place, located at 935 Gravier Street.
“We’re thrilled to officially launch our North American Games QA facility in New Orleans, and we want to thank the State of Louisiana, GNO Inc. and the City of New Orleans for their shared commitment and partnership,” said Vice President of Business Development Mike Betti. “The center is integral to Testronic’s strategic growth objectives: delivering industry-leading testing and localization solutions to our clients, and creating new opportunities for current and future employees. New Orleans was an ideal choice due to its strong talent pool and friendly business environment.”
Upon ramping up to full employment at its New Orleans facility in five years, the company will produce an annual payroll of more than $5 million. Louisiana Economic Development (LED) estimates the Testronic project will result in another 169 new indirect jobs, for a total of 319 new jobs in New Orleans and the Southeast Region.
“New Orleans has emerged as a leading hub for new investments in digital media and software development, and this investment from Testronic is the latest in a series of victories for Louisiana’s growing digital media industry,” said Gov. John Bel Edwards. “Testronic provides quality assurance services to companies that are at the cutting-edge of digital gaming products, and New Orleans is the ideal setting for their new testing facility. I am proud to have seen this field’s tremendous growth over the past four years as we have actively engaged in diversifying Louisiana’s economy.”
The selection of New Orleans by Testronic is a digital interactive media and entertainment success for Louisiana, as well as a foreign direct investment win. Founded in 1998, Testronic is headquartered in the U.K., and has U.S. operations in Burbank, CA. The company also operates other studios in Poland and Chile.
“New Orleans is proving itself to be a major hub for a growing technology industry,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “We are seeing more companies choosing New Orleans as their home to grow their businesses and meeting our people where they are, while recognizing that there is a skilled workforce worth investing in. Alongside the Governor’s Office and our private partners, we are making a real impact in the city and moving the needle for our people around economic mobility.”
To secure Testronic’s investment in New Orleans, Louisiana is providing the company with an incentive package that includes the LED FastStart® workforce training program. Testronic also is expected to utilize the state’s Digital Media incentive.
“Testronic’s decision to locate their new testing lab in New Orleans is yet another validation of our decade-long effort to make Greater New Orleans and Louisiana a new hub for technology and innovation,” said President and CEO Michael Hecht of GNO Inc. “Significantly, the Testronic jobs will provide economic opportunities for many across our region to build and grow their careers. The attraction of a global video game service provider will further support GNO Inc.’s efforts to build out the video game sector throughout the region, underscoring our mission to provide a thriving economy that allows everyone to participate and prosper.”
“We are encouraged by Testronic’s vote of confidence in New Orleans,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., president and CEO of New Orleans Business Alliance. “This project win is not only further validation of the city’s growing recognition as a tech hub but also a win for many friends and neighbors who are hungry for the chance to enter the technology industry professionally. While quite demanding, Testronic’s jobs are accessible for a wide range of skills and will be the first step into tech for countless New Orleanians.”
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