Radiance Technologies to Build $370M Microchip Facility in Ruston
Source: Shreveport-Bossier Journal
Radiance Technologies is investing $370 million to build a secure microchip packaging facility in Ruston — Louisiana’s largest semiconductor manufacturing project to date. The initiative strengthens national security by boosting domestic chip production while positioning North Louisiana as a rising hub for advanced manufacturing.
The Alabama-based defense contractor announced the 40,000-square-foot facility during a groundbreaking ceremony attended by Gov. Jeff Landry, Louisiana Tech University President Jim Henderson, and other state officials. Construction is slated to begin in spring 2026, with completion expected by summer 2027.
The project is set to create 150 high-paying jobs averaging $85,000 annually — 180% higher than Lincoln Parish’s current average wage. By fiscal year 2032, total payroll is projected to reach $12.7 million.
Louisiana Economic Development is backing the project with $37 million in incentives:
$17 million to Louisiana Tech for equipment upgrades and training programs
$20 million in performance-based matching funds through 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,” said Gov. Landry, linking the project to President Donald Trump’s “America First” reshoring strategy.
The new site will house microchip research, design, development, and fabrication operations on city-provided land north of the Ruston Sports Complex. Radiance Technologies — founded in 1999 and now employing more than 1,200 employee-owners nationwide — primarily serves the U.S. Department of Defense and intelligence agencies.
CEO Bill Bailey, a Louisiana Tech alumnus, described the project as “a win-win opportunity” benefiting the company, the university, the City of Ruston, and the State of Louisiana. Radiance already maintains a presence at Louisiana Tech’s Enterprise Campus research park.
The partnership will deepen ties with Louisiana Tech’s strengths in cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, and microelectronics while offering students hands-on learning opportunities and creating a pipeline of highly skilled workers.
This development follows Meta’s recently announced $10 billion artificial intelligence data center in Richland Parish, further signaling North Louisiana’s emergence as a technology corridor.
A broader workforce development initiative tied to the project will connect multiple educational institutions, aligning academic research with industry applications and reinforcing Louisiana’s competitiveness in semiconductor security and advanced manufacturing.