On Jan. 4, Gov. John Bel Edwards highlighted the selection of DXC Technology’s Digital Transformation Center in New Orleans as the nation’s No. 2 project in Business Facilities magazine’s 2017 Economic Development Deal of the Year competition. A Fortune 250 company, DXC Technology formed in April 2017  through the merger of CSC and the Enterprise Services business of Hewlett Packard Enterprise. DXC Technology (NYSE: DXC) announced in November 2017 that it would establish a 2,000-job Digital Transformation Center in the Central Business District of New Orleans.

At the center, next-generation technology services will be developed and delivered to support the digital transformations of DXC Technology clients. The project will create more permanent jobs at one site than any prior economic development deal announced in Louisiana. DXC Technology recently announced it has reached a lease agreement for multiple floors of the Freeport McMoRan Building located on Poydras Street, across from the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Virginia-based company will hire 300 IT and business enterprise professionals during 2018, then ramp up to 2,000 jobs and reach an annual payroll exceeding $133 million by 2025.

“Louisiana is a prime destination for companies investing in growing fields like software development, cybersecurity and IT services,” Gov. Edwards said. “DXC Technology’s 2,000-job Digital Transformation Center in New Orleans confirms that Louisiana is becoming a preferred location for new technology projects. We offer a growing network of companies, local partners and higher education institutions creating an ecosystem for tomorrow’s jobs and tomorrow’s opportunities. The recognition of our progress by Business Facilities is a testament to DXC’s impact in our state and to Louisiana’s ability to attract game-changing projects.”

The Business Facilities Economic Development Deal of the Year awards are presented to projects that create a significant number of quality jobs, increase the tax base and otherwise stimulate the local economy. The LSU Economics & Policy Research Group estimates the DXC Louisiana project will generate total economic output of $3.2 billion through 2025.

“This recognition of DXC Technology’s landmark project by Business Facilities highlights a successful deal that was long in the making, and one that was built by a dynamic partnership of economic developers, elected officials, LED FastStart^® and higher education leaders,” said Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson. “Our team is proud to work for Louisiana every day in laying the foundation for investors like DXC who create great employment opportunities. In recent years, state officials and economic leaders have structured a business climate that supports leading digital media and software development companies and fosters their continued growth. DXC’s decision to locate in Louisiana demonstrates their confidence in this strategy.”

DXC Technology will open its New Orleans Digital Transformation Center this month and already has begun the hiring process for its Louisiana location. Job seekers may apply for positions at the DXC Technology New Orleans site by visiting a special employment website.

“Louisiana set the standard for diversification into new growth sectors, maximizing the participation of its impressive higher education resources to attract 21st-century businesses,” said Editor in Chief Jack Rogers of Business Facilities. “High-tech hubs are blossoming across the state, from cybersecurity in Bossier City to IT services and digital media in New Orleans.”

The 2017 Silver Award for DXC Technology is the latest recognition for Louisiana in a series of economic successes. Read more from LED.