Apple said Thursday it will build a new $1 billion campus in Austin, Texas. The facility will create 5,000 new jobs. File Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI |
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Dec. 13 (UPI) -- Apple announced plans Thursday to build a new $1 billion campus in Austin, Texas, it says will add 5,000 new jobs and the capacity to grow to 15,000.
The planned 133-acre campus in north Austin will be powered by 100 percent renewable energy and could position Apple to be the largest private employer in the city. It will be built less than a mile from Apple's existing Austin facilities.
"Apple is proud to bring new investment, jobs and opportunity to cities across the United States and to significantly deepen our quarter-century partnership with the city and people of Austin," Apple CEO Tim Cook said in a statement. "Talent, creativity and tomorrow's breakthrough ideas aren't limited by region or zip code, and, with this new expansion, we're redoubling our commitment to cultivating the high-tech sector and workforce nationwide."
The new jobs will include research and development operations, finance, sales and customer support, Apple said. The existing campus in Austin already employees 6,200 people, the most of any city outside the company's headquarters in Cupertino, Calif.
"Apple is among the world most innovative companies and an avid creator of jobs in Texas and across the country," Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said. "Their decision to expand operations in our state is a testament to the high-quality workforce and unmatched economic environment that Texas offers."
Austin Mayor Steve Adler said Apple will bring more middle-skilled jobs to the area that could benefit American veterans.
"Apple has been a vital part of the Austin community for a quarter century, and we are thrilled that they are deepening their investment in our people and the city we love," Adler said.
In addition to the Austin campus, Apple also announced plans Thursday to establish new sites in Seattle, San Diego and Culver City, Calif. Expansions are also planned in Pittsburgh, New York City and Boulder, Colo., over the next three years. Apple said it ultimately plans to create 20,000 new U.S. jobs by 2023.