Garmin has found the Triangle.
The country's largest maker of satellite navigation devices announced plans to open a research center in this region. Garmin initially expects to hire up to 40 engineers, software programmers and other employees.
The Olathe, Kan.-based company is facing increasing competition from cell phones and other devices with mapping capabilities, and is adding talent to develop next generation gadgets.
"In light of the growth opportunities for wireless products, we believe that this expansion is a critical step in expanding our ability to launch new wireless devices to markets around the world," said Garmin president Cliff Pemble, in a prepared statement.
This region is rich with technology workers, including hundreds laid off by companies such as cell phone maker Sony Ericsson. Research in Motion, the Canadian maker of BlackBerry devices, recently confirmed it plans to open offices in the Triangle.
Garmin plans to hold a career forum on Thursday from 2 to 8 p.m.
at the Hilton Raleigh-Durham Airport, 4810 Page Creek Lane, Durham. Interested applicants also can visit http://garmin.blogs.com/RTPjobs, e-mail RTPjobs@garmin.com or view http://twitter.com/WorkAtGarmin for more information.
Assistant Business Editor Alan M. Wolf joined the N&O in 1999 covering the business of health care. He became an editor in 2001, and helps oversee the paper's daily business coverage and Sunday Work&Money section. He lives in Clayton with his wife and two children. Reach him at 919-829-4572 or 
