Slot Maker Expanding in Vegas

LAS VEGAS -- Las Vegas-based Konami Gaming Inc., a subsidiary of Japanese video game giant Konami Corp., has started construction on a new Las Vegas slot machine development and manufacturing plant.

The 120,000-square-foot building will be at Sunset and Bermuda roads, south of McCarran International Airport, said Konami spokeswoman Shelli Sibert. The manufacturing and office complex will serve as the North American headquarters of Konami Gaming, she said, adding that the company expects to occupy the building by the end of the year.

Konami currently employs about 150 workers at a manufacturing plant on Industrial Road, near Warm Springs Road. The company also has executive offices in a separate building at the same location. The new plant will consolidate the existing operations and allow for expansion.

"It will increase substantially our square footage," she said.

The company expects to add additional employees once the new building opens, but there are no specific hiring plans in place, Sibert added.

Konami builds traditional reel slot machines, video slot machines and video poker machines. The company also develops software systems for casino management.

The company is a licensed gaming manufacturer in 19 states and has machines in more than 80 Indian casinos, Sibert said.

In 2001, Konami Gaming bought Paradigm Gaming Systems, a Las Vegas maker of casino management software systems. At the time the move was called a key development in the company's growth plans for the casino industry.

Sibert said the expansion is being driven in large part by a need to keep up with the rapid expansion of gaming across the United States.

"Currently, our industry is growing," she said. "We hope as business grows and there is more demand for our products, our company will grow with it."

Jerry Sandstrom, deputy director of the Nevada Commission on Economic Development, said the expansion of Konami Gaming will be a boost for the Las Vegas economy. He said economic development officials have been particularly excited about Konami since it opened a Las Vegas operation in 1998 because it brings both manufacturing and technology jobs.

"Absolutely, this is a positive thing for the community," Sandstrom said.