A massive Samsung plant is coming to the Austin area. Governor Greg Abbott announced late Tuesday that the company is building a $17 billion facility in Taylor. Abbott said it will be Samsung's new state-of-the-art semiconductor chip fabrication plant, and will create more than 2,000 technology jobs. At least 6,500 construction jobs will also be created to build the plant.

"Companies like Samsung continue to invest in Texas because of our world-class business climate and exceptional workforce," said Governor Abbott. "Samsung's new semiconductor manufacturing facility in Taylor will bring countless opportunities for hardworking Central Texans and their families and will play a major role in our state's continued exceptionalism in the semiconductor industry. I look forward to expanding our partnership to keep the Lone Star State a leader in advanced technology and a dynamic economic powerhouse."

"As we add a new facility in Taylor, Samsung is laying the groundwork for another important chapter in our future," said Dr. Kinam Kim, Vice Chairman and CEO of Samsung Electronics Device Solutions Division. "With greater manufacturing capacity, we will be able to better serve the needs of our customers and contribute to the stability of the global semiconductor supply chain. We are also proud to be bringing more jobs and supporting the training and talent development for local communities, as Samsung celebrates 25 years of semiconductor manufacturing in the United States."

"Samsung Austin Semiconductor has been proud to call Texas home for more than 25 years," said Dr. Sang Sup Jeong, President of Samsung Austin Semiconductor. "We are excited about our growth and future opportunities in Central Texas and appreciate the support from all Central Texas leaders."

"Samsung’s decision to locate its cutting-edge semiconductor fabrication plant in Taylor is the single most significant and consequential development for the local economy since the International & Great Northern Railroad laid tracks here in the 1870’s," said Taylor Mayor Brandt Rydell. "The City of Taylor is honored to have been selected by Samsung as the site for this critically important project, and we look forward to a long-lasting and mutually-beneficial relationship between our community and the company."

"Williamson County has again proven to be a leader in attracting the world’s top technology companies," said Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell. "To Samsung, I want to say 'Welcome Home.' We want to thank Governor Abbott for his amazing leadership and help on this project. With the addition of Samsung on the east side of our county, Apple on the west side, and Dell Computers World headquarters in the center, Williamson County is now home to the technology superhighway of the world."

"As one of the largest foreign investment economic development projects in United States history, to say Samsung’s commitment to this project is monumental would be a huge understatement," said Taylor Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Mark Thomas. "The Taylor Economic Development Corporation with its partners at Williamson County, the City of Taylor and the Office of the Governor are beaming with pride to bring this important Advanced Chip Manufacturing facility to the City of Taylor, Williamson County, the Austin MSA, State of Texas and the United States of America."

Patti Diaz