- Supply chain software company LLamasoft recently revealed that it will be expanding within the city of Ann Arbor
According to Ann Arbor SPARK (a catalyst for economic development within the city), Ann Arbor, Michigan-based LLamasoft Inc. — a software company is known for advancing analytics for supply chain design and optimization that services 750 major corporations around the world — is pursuing an aggressive strategic expansion plan. And the company is also investing in its existing infrastructure, which involves the expansion and upgrading of its current facility in Ann Arbor to attract and retain the talent it needs to achieve its growth goals.
LLamasoft’s expansion of its current headquarters will also enable the company to hire more software developers, engineers, professional services and sales representatives. And the project is expected to generate a total private investment of $10.7 million along with creating 70 jobs. This is resulting in a $515,790 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was selected over competing sites in Colorado and Texas.
“LLamasoft has been one of Ann Arbor’s fastest-growing companies for over a decade, and a cornerstone in our tech community,” said Paul Krutko FM HLM — the president and CEO of Ann Arbor SPARK, “Their supply chain tools are recognized around the world, and we’re thrilled to help solidify their future in our region through this process.”
In a recent statement, LLamasoft CEO Razat Gaurav pointed out that the company’s customers around the world are leveraging the company’s technology “to uncover business insights from what was previously massive amounts of siloed data and using our algorithmic solvers and powerful machine learning capabilities to determine the best strategic decisions for their businesses.” And in a press release, LLamasoft’s senior manager of public relations Lisa Hajra pointed out that the company’s customers have identified more than $13 billion in value.
LLamasoft also received an Ann Arbor SPARK FastTrack Award for the past 12 years — which is an unprecedented achievement in the history of the awards. Ann Arbor SPARK has been working with LLamasoft since the summer of 2008 when a meeting was set up to help the company find talent.
Since then, SPARK worked closely with LLamasoft as the company grew by setting up talent engagement events in order to boost recruitment efforts along with helping the company acquire new spaces in downtown Ann Arbor.
“This grant bolsters the company’s vital presence in Ann Arbor’s tech ecosystem,” added Krutko. “We are excited to witness the growth that will be spurred by this investment.”
Ann Arbor SPARK is also going to assist the company with the new positions. LLamasoft is also actively looking for software engineers, community event specialists, partner success managers, cloud engineers, marketing analysts, etc.
A couple of years ago, TPG Capital made a majority investment in LLamasoft for an undisclosed amount. However, LLamasoft co-founder Toby Brzoznowski pointed out at the time that the amount was higher than the $50 million investment that Goldman Sachs made in 2015. In 2016, LLamasoft hit $55 million in revenue and it is believed that the company hit somewhere between $80 and $100 million in 2018. Brzoznowski founded LLamasoft with former CEO Donald Hicks in 2002.
