Optimal Technologies Headquarters to Come to Downtown Raleigh
Dec 10, 2007
Optimal Technologies US Inc., a software and technology provider for electrical utilities and consumers, announced today it will relocate its headquarters from Canada to downtown Raleigh. The company will invest $2.4 million over the next three years and plans to create at least 325 jobs.
"Optimal Technologies' headquarters is the type of high-quality company we want to attract to our City's center," Raleigh Mayor Charles Meeker said. "The combination of Raleigh's knowledge-based workforce and downtown atmosphere will enhance Optimal Technologies' innovation in the years to come."
Optimal Technologies develops next generation technologies to help utilities , businesses and consumers optimize their energy usage. Its products and services are designed to provide a more efficient, reliable and environmentally responsible electricity grid.
The new jobs will include highly specialized circuit (ASIC) designers, software programmers, engineers and management and marketing positions. While wages will vary according to job function, the overall average annual wage for the 325 new jobs will be $71,250 not including benefits, which is higher than the Wake County average of $40,092.
Optimal Technologies CEO Roland Schoettle said the company chose North Carolina to lead its U.S.-based operations because of the support and enthusiasm the company received from the State of North Carolina and City of Raleigh.
"Optimal found the strengths of Raleigh and surrounding areas to coincide directly with the needs of our growing company," Schoettle said. "With this new office, we will be able to tap into the wealth of talent in Wake and surrounding counties, as well as the area's numerous prestigious universities."
The relocation was made possible in part by a $325,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund. The City of Raleigh has agreed to match this amount, which is required for a company to receive a grant from this Fund. Optimal currently employs 18 people who will relocate to Raleigh and will need to have at least 325 employees within three years to receive the full grant.
Partners who helped make this announcement possible include City of Raleigh, Raleigh Economic Development, Wake County Economic Development, the N.C. Department of Commerce, Research Triangle Regional Partnership, and Progress Energy.
For more information about Optimal Technologies, including job opportunities, visit www.otii.com.