ROUND ROCK, Texas – Southern California’s loss is Round Rock’s gain as Saleen Performance Parts announced this month it is relocating its manufacturing operations to Texas. The announcement was made by Opportunity Austin, which is an initiative of the Greater Austin Chamber’s five-county economic development initiative.
More than 150 manufacturing-related jobs will be added in the coming years at the 20,000-square-foot facility that will also house offices. It will be located at 900 E. Old Settlers Blvd., Building 3.
“After a multi-year nationwide search, we are excited to expand our parts manufacturing to Central Texas,” said Saleen Performance Parts President Molly Saleen. “As a domestic manufacturer, we have unique criteria that needed to be met in our site selection including community participation, and we feel that the Austin area meets all of our requirements to match our current growth and business operations.”
The company introduced its original Saleen Mustang in 1984 with the goal of “giving drivers maximum performance and pleasure,” according to SPP’s website. Products available from Saleen include car overs, differential covers, “Monaco” wheel, clothing, brakes, drivetrains, engine parts, car body packages, grilles, stripe set, rear wing, and much more. Style and improved aerodynamics, improved handling, and maximum braking are at the heart of Saleen’s products.
With the Circuit of the Americas track located in Austin, this asset will benefit from having a parts manufacturer in the nearby region. Saleen Performance Parts manufactures plastic injection and advanced composites for house brands, such as Xenon and 3dCarbon, as well as does contract manufacturing for specialty equipment products.
The company’s financial benefit to the area is expected to be more than $45 million direct and induced local benefit, according to the City of Round Rock’s website.