One of the leading companies in the aircraft simulation and training industry is expanding its current operations in Arlington. Link Simulation & Training (L-3 Link), a division of L-3 Communications has initiated a project in Arlington that will bring about 150 new jobs to the city.

New incentives approved by the Arlington City Council on April 8 will enable L-3 to renovate existing facilities at 2115 E. Randol Mill Road and 2200 Arlington Downs, and to construct a new facility at 2215 E. Randol Mill Road. The total incentive will be worth anywhere from $310,00 to $600,000 (over the 10-year period), ultimately depending upon the new taxable value of the company's real and business personal property.

The grant will help offset costs related to relocation and retrofitting the facilities to accommodate L-3 's operations.

L-3 will renovate its 182,000 sq. ft. existing facility at 2115 E. Randol Mill Road, which currently houses 400 employees and seven labs. After the conversion, the facility will support approximately 500 employees and house 15 simulator labs that will provide state of the art production and testing facilities for non-motion fast jet training simulation systems.

The company's 82,000 sq. ft. facility at 2200 Arlington Downs currently acts as an office building for 190 employees. This facility will be redesigned and renovated to support approximately 300 employees.

L-3 also plans to construct an approximately 30,000 sq. ft. warehouse facility to house simulators and will be designed to accommodate future expansion options, which may include additional warehouse, office or demonstration space.

When complete, L-3 will have invested $17 million in the project and employ approximately 787 workers at its Arlington facilities, with an average salary of $100,000 with an additional $50,000 in benefits.

City leaders are expecting this partnership to reinforce the message to the North Texas business community that Arlington is a viable and economical place to do business and bring employment. The City is expecting the workforce to significantly contribute to the local and regional economy.