Rockdale, Texas Welcomes Bitmain Technologies, Ltd.
New Facility Will Bring In 400 Local Jobs to The Local Economy Over the First Two Years.
Rockdale, Texas, August 6, 2018
The Rockdale Municipal Development District (MDD) confirms today, Bitmain Technologies Ltd., a world leader in blockchain hardware, software, and services will create approximately 400 full-time jobs and invest $500+ million to build a new data center in Rockdale, Milam County, TX. The initial investment includes $465+ million in retro-fitting buildings, machinery, and equipment. New jobs will be full-time, fully benefited and will include positions in engineering and management, as well as opportunities for data center technicians.
The Milam County Industrial Development Corporation (MCIDC) and the Milam County Commissioners Court approved an economic development incentive that includes a Tax Abatement phased in over ten-years.
“A deal like Bitmain is a game changer for Milam County. While a “clean” industry, it will diversify the labor supply, significantly increase exposure to technology, increase by half the tax base of Milam County and more than double the tax base of Rockdale ISD. The 400 new jobs in addition to an estimated 137 spin-off jobs could make a major dent in Milam County’s relatively high unemployment rate, while salaries and benefits are above average for Central Texas. Additionally, these types of projects typically create a significant amount of high-end construction employment for an initial period, and once built, they become a key component of the company’s overall operating environment and can create a long-term investment for Milam County. Finally, these types of projects tend to group together, and it is likely that once a certain geography, site, and attributes of the site attract a big-name user, others will follow. What is not to like? This is a win-win for everyone involved” said Richard E. Williams, Jr., president of MCIDC.
The Rockdale MDD, Cameron Industrial Foundation, and Workforce Solutions of Central Texas, along with several other local entities are working with Bitmain Technologies to develop training opportunities for future employees. The goal is to offer training to adults interested in developing or refining new skills as well as incorporating needed technology skills training in area schools.
“This is a great day for all the citizens of Milam County,” said Dr. John Weed III, president of the Rockdale MDD. “The MDD will continue to work towards the additional growth of jobs and investment in the Rockdale area. I appreciate the help and support from the MDD Board of Directors, Alcoa Inc. and county government.”
Bitmain Technologies Ltd is working with Alcoa Inc. to repurpose the former aluminum smelter to become the home of the Bitmain Technologies Ltd. site.
“This is an exciting time for Milam County. We are looking forward to welcoming our newest employer to our business community,” said County Judge Dave Barkemeyer. “This is a great example of what can happen when we work together as a team. A big ‘Thank you!’ to everyone that helped make this project happen. I would particularly like to thank Mr. Tommy Hodges and Alcoa for their consideration of the needs of our community in the manner in which they have marketed the property.”
“As a company, Bitmain Technologies Ltd. is always committed to creating a positive impact at the local level – that means hiring, partnering and investing locally,” said Jeff Stearns, executive vice president and director of operations for Bitmain, North America. “We are thrilled with Rockdale as our newest location and look forward to a long and strong partnership with the state, Milam County, and our new community.”
The company states that it is currently recruiting for multiple positions, ranging from senior management, sales and finance to research associates, engineers, technicians and other roles. For an updated list of job openings at the new Rockdale, Texas facility, please visit https://www.bitmain.com/jobs.
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About Rockdale Municipal Development District
The Rockdale Municipal Development District (MDD) was created by voters in May, 2010 and began levying a 1/2 percent sales tax starting October 1, 2010 on all items in the district that are subject to the general sales tax. The MDD jurisdiction includes the City of Rockdale and its extra-territorial jurisdiction (that area that extends outward from the city limits to one mile).
It is the mission of the MDD to aid the City of Rockdale and interested private or public entities in making the community a better place to live, work and do business. In so doing, the MDD may help develop and finance any permissible project as defined in Chapter 377 of the Texas Local Government Code and that benefits, strengthens and diversifies the economic base of Rockdale.
About Bitmain Technologies, Ltd.
Bitmain, founded in 2013, is a global blockchain and semiconductor company dedicated to the design and manufacture of high-performance hardware, software, and services for the customers and communities it serves worldwide. With industry-defining technologies Bitmain is a leader supporting new financial technologies which enable a decentralized, global network to connect, grow and benefit everyone who participates. The company is headquartered in Beijing with offices, product and research centers globally, including Silicon Valley, Tel Aviv, Amsterdam, Hong Kong, Singapore and Zug.
