Troy Mayor Jimmy Lunsford dubbed the city’s newest industry CGI as the “missing link” when it announced its arrival last September. Now, that missing link finally has its new home.

CGI’s employees moved into their new building in the former Park Lane Shopping Center Monday, with 18 new employees hired this year.

But, there’s still a promise the company will hire 100 people by the end of the year, said local Director George Tarbox.

“We have 18 people moved in right now, mostly new hires,” Tarbox said.

Most of those hired thus far have been human resources employees. All but he, who was transferred from CGI in Birmingham, have been hired locally.

While Monday was the first day CGI was open for business in its permanent home, it was not the first day the company’s been working in Troy.

Since shortly after the company’s announcement to move to Troy, CGI has been stationed at the Troy Municipal Airport in the interim.

“We’re just very happy to be here,” Tarbox said. “We’re thankful for the city space, but we’re glad to be in our home. It’s like when you buy a house, you are very proud of it. We’ve been looking forward to this day, and we look forward to a very bright future in Troy.”

While the goal is to hire 100 employees by the end of this year, the building is constructed to hold up to 166 people. The second phase of construction is underway, and will add an addition 10,000 square feet to the already 20,000 square foot building.

By the end of the year, construction is set to also be complete on the portion of the building that will extend out into the parking lot and hold more than 300 people.

“It’s our target to be done by the end of the year,” Tarbox said.

People interested in a career at CGI can visit the Web site to apply at www.cgi.com.