Benchmark Electronics, a leading global design, engineering and manufacturing company, began construction on new headquarters located at Rio Salado 2106 in Tempe, Arizona.

The facility will house the corporate leadership team and key corporate functions. Benchmark's Internet of Things (IoT) Center of Innovation will also transition to the new location. Construction on Benchmark's Tempe headquarters is expected to be completed in early 2019.

Benchmark is dedicated to the continued development of Arizona's business and technology community and looks forward to deepening its involvement. The company plans to bring an additional 500 jobs to the greater Phoenix area over the next five years, company officials said.

"We are proud to be a part of the outstanding technology and business community here in Tempe," said Paul Tufano, Benchmark President & CEO. "I would like to thank Governor Ducey, the Arizona Commerce Authority, the City of Tempe, Arizona State University and all of our partners that have welcomed Benchmark and helped our relocation process run smoothly."

"With the groundbreaking of Benchmark's new headquarters and 500 new jobs headed our way, eyes from New York City to Silicon Valley are once again focused on our state," Governor Doug Ducey said. "Benchmark's selection of our state is further proof there is no better place than Arizona to start or scale a business or test and develop new technology."

The company has already joined forces with Arizona State University through a strategic partnership to foster an innovative ecosystem that benefits students and businesses. Benchmark plans to leverage the impressive talent produced ASU's Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering and W.P. Carey School of Business in its hiring efforts.

"Our partnership with Benchmark is another step toward the outstanding collaboration between business and education we have fostered at our university," said Michael Crow, President, ASU. "We are fortunate to work with leading companies like Benchmark, which provide opportunities in the classroom and real-world, hands-on learning environments for faculty and students, as well as promoting the development of high-technology jobs."

"Microsoft, Amazon, GoDaddy and now Benchmark, have all found a home here in Tempe," said Tempe Mayor, Mark Mitchell. "As the company breaks ground at the prime location of 2100 Rio Salado Pkwy, we welcome them with open arms and look forward to the jobs and innovation they will bring to our community."