Radiance Technologies will invest $370 million to build a secure microchip packaging facility in Ruston, marking Louisiana’s largest semiconductor manufacturing project and advancing national security objectives through domestic chip production.
The Alabama-based defense contractor announced the 40,000-square-foot facility Monday during a groundbreaking ceremony attended by Gov. Jeff Landry, Louisiana Tech University President Jim Henderson and other state officials. Construction begins spring 2026 with completion expected summer 2027.
The facility will create 150 jobs paying an average $85,000 annually — 180% higher than Lincoln Parish’s average salary. Total annual payroll will reach $12.7 million by fiscal year 2032.
Louisiana Economic Development is providing $37 million in incentives: $17 million to Louisiana Tech for equipment upgrades and training programs, plus $20 million in performance-based matching funds to the Louisiana Tech Foundation for facility equipment purchases.
“This new secure microchip facility not only strengthens our national security, it also positions North Louisiana as a hub for advanced manufacturing,” Landry said, aligning the project with President Donald Trump’s “America First” reshoring initiatives.
The facility will house microchip research, development, design and fabrication operations on city-provided land north of the Ruston Sports Complex. Radiance, founded in 1999 with over 1,200 employee-owners nationwide, serves the Department of Defense and intelligence agencies.
CEO Bill Bailey, a Louisiana Tech alumnus, called the project “a win-win opportunity” benefiting the company, university, Ruston and the state. Radiance already operates from Louisiana Tech’s Enterprise Campus research park.
The partnership leverages Louisiana Tech’s expertise in cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing and microelectronics while providing students enhanced learning opportunities and creating a skilled workforce pipeline.
This represents the second major technology investment in North Louisiana following Meta’s announced $10 billion artificial intelligence data center in Richland Parish, signaling the region’s emergence as a technology corridor.
The multi-institutional workforce development initiative will span multiple educational institutions, creating sustainable connections between university research capabilities and industry applications while establishing Louisiana as a key player in semiconductor security and advanced manufacturing competitiveness.