GPEC Report Tallies 142 European Expansions, $8.1 Billion Investment in Greater Phoenix Since 2015
Updated
Updated · Arizona Big Media · May 21
GPEC Report Tallies 142 European Expansions, $8.1 Billion Investment in Greater Phoenix Since 2015
1 articles · Updated · Arizona Big Media · May 21
$8.1 billion in European investment and about 15,000 jobs have flowed into Maricopa and Pinal counties through 142 expansion projects since 2015, according to a new Greater Phoenix Economic Council report.
111 companies drove that growth as European firms deepened their presence around semiconductors, aerospace and defense, biosciences, medical devices and cybersecurity, drawn by Arizona's predictable business climate and manufacturing ecosystem.
Long-established companies including ASM, ASML and Switzerland's Kudelski said ties to Motorola, Intel, local talent and university partnerships helped anchor their Arizona operations and later expansion.
Across Arizona, European companies completed 130 expansions from 2015 to 2025, investing nearly $10.8 billion and creating almost 17,000 jobs, underscoring Greater Phoenix's role as the state's main landing point.
GPEC said the next phase of growth will depend on country-specific outreach, stronger industry-university training pipelines and more direct flights to markets such as the Netherlands and Switzerland.
With new semiconductor pacts in Asia, is Arizona's European success just the start of its global tech dominance?
As Phoenix attracts global tech giants, can its desert infrastructure and water resources sustain the explosive growth?
Greater Phoenix and Europe: Trends, Opportunities, and Challenges in Economic Integration (2015–2026)
Overview
Greater Phoenix has rapidly expanded its economic engagement with Europe from 2015 to 2026, driven by a strategic focus on international ties and the fast-growing semiconductor industry. The region’s efforts include developing direct flights to major European cities, which streamline business travel and strengthen economic links. With a young, skilled workforce and a favorable business environment featuring low taxes and strong incentives, Greater Phoenix has become an attractive destination for European investment. These factors, combined with targeted initiatives to deepen relationships with key European markets, have positioned the region as a leading hub for high-tech industries and global business growth.