Arizona State University Research Park, Inc. announced that Viasat Inc., a leading global communications company, is expanding its current footprint at the 324-acre ASU Research Park to accommodate the company’s future growth projections.
Viasat, a global communications company that provides high-speed satellite broadband services and secure networking systems, employs more than 6,800 employees worldwide and 5,800 in the United States, evaluated several major U.S. locations for expansion capabilities. The selection of ASU Research Park was driven primarily by the affordable cost and availability of technical talent, existing company strategic presence, and a favorable business climate.
“Tempe welcomes the expansion of Viasat at the ASU Research Park. The company creates technology that helps shape global communications,” said Tempe Mayor Corey Woods. “Our city is proud to be able to offer the highly educated workforce, the central location and the array of supportive, innovative companies that can help Viasat thrive.”
With this step, planning is now underway to create a culturally aligned campus in proximity to Viasat’s existing ASU Research Park campus, taking the best and successful design elements that will complement the existing buildings in the park. In total, the expansion spans more than 16 acres, and is planned over several phases of development.
Phase 1, located south of ASU Research Park’s River Parkway and Viasat’s existing campus, sits on nearly 11.5 acres and will include a 135,000 square-foot building, an outdoor atrium, open space for events and employee recreation, and a parking structure. Current projections show a Phase 1 completion by June 2024.
Subsequent phases will largely be driven by the success of meeting Viasat’s hiring objectives, but are expected to add three additional buildings totaling 260,000 square feet, a conference area, a café, and another parking structure.
“We are thrilled to be expanding our campus at ASU Research Park and look forward to welcoming more strong local talent to our team,” said Melinda Kimbro, chief people officer at Viasat. “There is a vibrant, innovative eco-system in this region, which obviously includes ASU, one of the most innovative schools in the U.S. offering numerous nationally ranked degree programs and one of the largest schools of engineering in the nation. Deepening our presence in the community means exciting new career opportunities for those who want to join us on our journey to connect and deliver opportunity to everyone, everywhere.”
ASU Research Park currently has 50 corporate tenants that employ more than 6,000 people. In addition to Viasat, the ASU Research Park hosts major companies including Amazon, Amkor Technology, Avnet, Edward Jones, Go Daddy, Iridium, and PADT. ASU MacroTechnology Works, home to ASU’s Flexible Electronics and Display Center and Solar Power Lab also is located in the park.
“ASU Research Park continues to attract successful companies like Viasat with its business-friendly environment, highly-educated talent pool, and strong focus on innovation and sustainability, said Morgan R. Olsen, the Research Park’s board president and ASU executive vice president, treasurer, and Chief Financial Officer.” “We look forward to continuing our partnership with Viasat and collaborating on the next generation of their business operations.”
The ASU Research Park’s mission is to strengthen ties between Arizona State University and the technology industry, and to contribute to the Valley’s economic development. For more information about ASU Research Park, visit .
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