Larger than any single corporate enterprise in Central Texas before it, Samsung is expected to build a 6 million-square-foot facility that will bring 1,800 higher-paying jobs to the area.

The project includes $6 billion in infrastructure, land and building costs and $11 billion worth of personal property, machinery and equipment. The approximately 1,288 acres of property for the project is south of Hwy. 79 and west of FM 973, southwest of downtown Taylor.

Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell Jr. on Sept. 7 told Community Impact Newspaper negotiations and work on the project have been accomplished daily since January, when county officials hosted Samsung executives at Dell Diamond in Round Rock.

“What we have to offer is the perfect combination of outstanding schools, safe communities and quality of life,” Gravell said. “We have an existing world-class workforce and an ecosystem around it.”

Gravell said along with the Samsung jobs, thousands of contractors will also work at the facility. According to Williamson County, the project will also provide 6,500-10,000 direct construction jobs while the plant is being built, and Gravell said the existing Samsung plant in North Austin off Parmer Lane served as motivation to work to attract that kind of largescale economic mobility.

“The first time I went to tour the facility in Austin, I was really taken aback by the number of jobs that were not Samsung jobs,” Gravell said in reference to contractors. “For me, that was the turning point that I wanted that in Williamson County, and we were all in.”

The shortage of semiconductors—devices that include nodes, transistors and integrated circuit chips—is a worldwide issue, as production has slowed and supply chains of vehicles, computers and other electronics have become a challenge.

“Samsung wants to be involved immediately,” Gravell said. “Like Apple and Dell, I think they see the value in doing business with [Williamson County].”

The agreements

In a Sept. 8 joint meeting of the Williamson County Commissioners Court and the city of Taylor, economic agreements were unanimously approved by both bodies to partner with Samsung for a $17 billion semiconductor manufacturing plant.

Among other requirements, the Chapter 381 economic incentive agreement with Williamson County calls for Samsung to have the 6 million-square-foot facility completed with a certificate of occupancy by Jan. 31, 2026, but staggers the construction with different goals to be met. The initial phase of construction for 2.5 million square feet would open by December 2023, and, Samsung would also create 1,800 full-time positions, also staggered during progression of the build-out.

In turn, Williamson County will reimburse 90% of the ad valorem taxes paid by Samsung on the property for 10 years. A 10-year extension at 85% abatement will be offered if Samsung complies with the conditions of the agreement.

For Williamson County, the investment is a win with $135 million additional ad valorem property tax revenue over a 30-year period, according to documents. The county currently receives $1,298 per year in taxes on the same property.

Williamson County Precinct 3 Commissioner Valerie Covey said even though the Samsung facility would be located in Taylor, the entire county stands to benefit greatly.