Round Rock City Council approved an economic incentive agreement Thursday, Oct. 22, with PulseForge, Inc., that will result in a minimum of $20 million in new investment and at least 60 new jobs with average annual salaries of $100,000.
The Round Rock Transportation and Economic Development Corporation and City Council approved the agreement with the company at their respective regularly scheduled meetings Thursday evening.
PulseForge is a Round Rock-based advanced manufacturing and technology company that specializes in semiconductor manufacturing equipment and digital thermal processing technology. The company develops technology used in semiconductor manufacturing, electronics, automotive, energy and defense industries, with a focus on next-generation semiconductor packaging and advanced manufacturing applications.
Originally established as part of NovaCentrix, PulseForge currently operates a 56,000-square-foot facility at 400 Parker Drive, employing approximately 50 people with average annual salaries exceeding $100,000.
The agreement requires PulseForge to invest at least $6 million in real property improvements and $14 million in business personal property to support its manufacturing operations. The company must complete $10 million in investments by Dec. 31, 2029, and an additional $10 million by Dec. 31, 2031.
In addition, PulseForge must maintain its existing 50 employees and create 60 new primary jobs, with starting average annual salaries of at least $100,000 plus industry-standard benefits. The company is required to add 20 jobs by the end of 2029 and another 40 by the end of 2031.
“PulseForge’s investment and planned job creation reflect the strength of Round Rock’s workforce and business community,” said Round Rock Mayor Craig Morgan. “We’re proud that companies developing cutting-edge technology continue to choose Round Rock as a place to grow and invest.”
The expansion will support PulseForge’s growing role in the semiconductor packaging supply chain as demand for advanced manufacturing technology continues to increase. The company is evaluating opportunities to expand its existing operations or develop a new manufacturing facility within Round Rock.
“Round Rock has built a strong foundation in the semiconductor industry by supporting the growth of companies already investing in our community,” said Jordan Robinson, President and CEO of the Round Rock Chamber. “PulseForge’s expansion builds on that success, strengthening our role in the semiconductor supply chain and creating more opportunities for people to build careers in advanced manufacturing. We’re proud to partner with PulseForge as it enters its next chapter in Round Rock.”
PulseForge is also pursuing funding opportunities through the federal CHIPS and Science Act and the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund, which support domestic semiconductor manufacturing, investment and job creation. The City’s economic development agreement demonstrates local support for the company’s expansion as it seeks additional state and federal funding.
In consideration for PulseForge meeting its obligations, economic incentive payments totaling $600,000 will be issued through the City’s Type B sales tax fund. The payments will be divided into two installments: $250,000 in 2030 and $350,000 in 2032, following verification that the company has met its required investment and job creation milestones.
The agreement is performance-based and includes compliance requirements and clawback provisions should PulseForge fail to fulfill its obligations.
“PulseForge is helping shape the future of semiconductor manufacturing worldwide, and we’re doing it with technology developed right here in Round Rock, Texas,” said Jonathan Gibson, CEO of PulseForge. “Our expansion will build on that global leadership, creating high-skilled jobs and strengthening Texas’ role in the semiconductor supply chain. The next generation of advanced chips will be made possible by innovation that starts here at home.”
