SAN ANTONIO (AP) — San Antonio will be the new U.S. headquarters for a European company that provides business processing services, bringing more than 1,400 jobs to the city.
Okin BPS announced on Monday plans to invest about $23 million into a new U.S. headquarters in San Antonio, the San Antonio Express-News reported. The Czech Republic-based company picked San Antonio after a two-year search for a U.S. headquarters location, according to its officials.
Okin offers services including customer support, billing and project management for information technology and telecommunication firms.
More than half of the new positions are expected to pay over $50,000 a year, according to figures provided by the city.
"Don't worry, I'm only flying two or three people from the Czech Republic," said Michal Jelínek, majority owner of Okin. "Our business is going to be very local."
Gov. Greg Abbott said that local leadership and the state's low tax and regulatory environment are reasons San Antonio landed the headquarters.
"In Texas, we have created a very business-friendly climate that attracts businesses like Okin," Abbott said.
Okin will likely receive tax abatements and grants worth millions from city, county and state entities. Texas will grant $6.6 million from the deal-closing Texas Enterprise Fund to the project.
City and county officials are still working on specific incentive packages to offer the company. Both San Antonio and Bexar County are anticipated to give grants to Okin and exempt the company's personal property and equipment from taxes.
"This is a big win for San Antonio, for South San Antonio, but I think even further that it showcases our competitive nature as a global city," said Jenna Saucedo-Herrera, president and CEO of the San Antonio Economic Development Foundation. "More and more, international companies are selecting San Antonio, and that's what matters. Hopefully, others will follow."
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Information from: San Antonio Express-News, http://www.mysanantonio.com
