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| Netlink Software Group America CEO Dilip Dubey accepts a plaque from Gov. Jennifer Granholm during an event held on Dec. 7. |
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| C&G NewsPapers/ 19th December 2007 |
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| By Jeremy Adragna |
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| MADISON HEIGHTS — The lobby still smelled of paint, and rows upon rows of empty cubicles were being prepared for 300 new employees as Gov. Jennifer Granholm and CEO Dilip Dubey cut the blue ribbon on Netlink Software Group America’s new headquarters last week. |
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| The expanding high-tech firm announced a move from its Southfield offices in March with plans to grow the company in Madison Heights in the coming years. In their new headquarters, Netlink officials estimate an increase to $200 million in annual revenue in the next three years. |
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| In 2007, Netlink hired 150 employees, and has plans to hire an additional 200 in the next year, officials said. Netlink already employs 1,000 people in several offices in the United States, Europe and India. |
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| “Without the key stakeholders around us … we would probably not be in Michigan,” said Dubey. “We would be looking at other opportunities outside. We’re thankful for their belief in our growth as we move forward.” |
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| When the move was first announced, Dubey said his 10-year-old company was actively being wooed by the state of Colorado to move to Denver. Dubey approached the state-run Michigan Economic Development Corp. seeking concessions to stay in Michigan. It worked. |
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| The MEDC has given Netlink a $3.7 million tax credit over seven years in order to ensure that the company continues to grow in Michigan, Granholm said. |
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| Dubey lauded the efforts of the MEDC in holding the company’s hand through the process of applying for state and local tax credits while deciding to expand in Madison Heights. |
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| “I would encourage all the business leaders that are in the technology field to look at Netlink as a data point and an example of what can happen in Michigan,” said Dubey. “How we can grow globally in Michigan and really make the difference for the community and impact globally.” |
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| Dubey said Netlink is here for the long term and the company’s growth plans “are very ambitious.” |
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| “(Michigan) has been challenged by the global shift in manufacturing jobs,” said Granholm. “To create and expand technology jobs in this state is a very specific focus of our diversification strategy. This is the sweet spot where we want to be.” |
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| The Madison Heights City Council also awarded the company $2 million in tax abatements earlier this year with the hope that the company would hire local residents or attract young workers. |
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| The company, located at 999 Tech Row, is surrounded by other commercial businesses Draexlmaier Automotive of America, Hanson Windows and Evigna marketing firm. A number of other office buildings near the location remain vacant, however. |
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| “It’s a community embrace of this company and your future,” said Granholm to Dubey. “To the extent your plans involve hiring and additional growth in Michigan don’t hesitate to call. We can meet or beat your best deal if you’re competing with another state or another country.” |
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| Granholm said retaining businesses like Netlink would ensure that college graduates stay in Michigan and work in high-tech jobs. |
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| Company officials describe Netlink as an IT and business process consultancy. |
