Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2004 | 10:33 a.m.
The world's largest slot machine manufacturer plans to consolidate its Southern Nevada operation under one roof.
Reno-based International Game Technology confirmed Monday that it plans to build a 600,000-square-foot building to consolidate operations in nine buildings scattered throughout Southern Nevada.
Construction on the new building, which will be developed on the northwest corner of Buffalo Road and Sunset Drive in southwest Las Vegas, is scheduled to begin in November and be completed by October 2006.
The company announced the consolidation in a press release issued Monday. A company spokesman did not say how much IGT would be investing in the new building.
Ed Rogich, vice president of marketing for IGT, said there are no plans to expand the Southern Nevada work force, which currently is at about 750 people. The company also has no plans to move any of its major manufacturing operation from Reno to Las Vegas.
"IGT's acquisitions and expanded operations in Southern Nevada have prompted this decision to consolidate our departments under one roof," said T.J. Matthews, IGT's president and chief executive officer, in the statement. "The new facility will allow us to be more efficient and keep us responsive to our customers' needs."
The center will devote 300,000 square feet to manufacturing and warehouse space, 230,000 square feet to offices and 70,000 square feet for accessory space. The company will consolidate its Southern Nevada manufacturing, engineering, sales, casino services and systems divisions.
Speculation of a consolidation of facilities was fueled earlier this month at a meeting of the Nevada Commission on Economic Development. Nevada Development Authority President Somer Hollingsworth said at the meeting that IGT was planning a consolidation or expansion when commissioners debated whether to approve tax incentives to an IGT competitor, Konami Gaming Inc., Tokyo.
Hollingsworth said gaming equipment manufacturers, including IGT, should be eligible for tax incentives on expansions, even though the purpose of the incentives is to help diversify the state's economy.
IGT has not determined whether it would apply for incentives, but the company would have to qualify by investing in capital improvements and adding jobs paying more than the state average to be eligible.
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