PreSonus building new BR headquarters
PreSonus Audio Electronics Inc. will build a new $8 million headquarters and research facility on Highland Road, company and public officials announced Wednesday.
The expansion will create 65 new jobs at the Baton Rouge company, with an average salary of $80,000, plus benefits, PreSonus CEO Jim Mack said in a statement. The company already employs 80 workers.
Founded in 1995, PreSonus designs and manufactures audio-recording software and hardware, microphone preamps, signal processors, digital audio interfaces, mixers, control surfaces and other products used worldwide for recording, sound reinforcement, broadcast, sound design and Internet audio.
“PreSonus grew its revenue by more than 50 percent last year, and our new high-tech offices will enable us to continue this phenomenal growth,” Mack said. “We plan to further increase our engineering staff and R&D efforts and to enter new product categories, adding even more high-paying positions here in Baton Rouge.”
The new 44,000-square-foot facility will replace PreSonus’ location in the Bon Carré Business Center on Florida Boulevard.
PreSonus will start construction this month at the Highland Road site between Airline Highway and Interstate 10. The new headquarters and research facility will open in August 2013. The company has begun hiring and expects to fill the 65 positions within three years.
“PreSonus is a home grown ‘made-in-Louisiana’ story that makes us proud,”
Gov. Bobby Jindal said in a news release. “Less than 20 years after being launched in a garage here in Baton Rouge, the company has grown to more than 130 employees worldwide. PreSonus’ decision to build its new headquarters right here in Baton Rouge is further proof that our state is becoming a beacon for the digital media and technology industries,” he said.
The state and Baton Rouge Area Chamber began working with PreSonus on the expansion in early 2011.
PreSonus is expected to use Louisiana’s Quality Jobs, Industrial Tax Exemption and Digital Interactive Media and Software Development incentives. The company also will receive assistance from the state’s FastStart workforce development program.
“When BRAC learned of PreSonus’s growing needs 18 months ago, our team immediately began working with company officials to help them secure the resources and support that would allow them to stay in the capital region,” said BRAC President and CEO Adam Knapp. “BRAC is deeply committed to enhancing the region’s software development and IT industries,” he said.
“Baton Rouge is fortunate that PreSonus, a well-known company with strong roots in the region, has decided to remain in the region and grow,” Mayor-President Kip Holden said.