Story at a glance
- With other operation centers overseas, Google is bringing a new operation center stateside.
- Following the trend of tech companies investing in Middle America, the new center will open in Southaven, Miss.
Google is set to launch its first U.S. operating center in northwest Mississippi, set to become operational in the Summer of 2021, according to The Associated Press (AP).
The company announced Thursday that it plans to lease a 60,000-square-foot facility in Southaven, Miss., situated near the state’s Tennessee border.
The operations center, an example of what is commonly known as network operation centers, will provide customer support on a domestic and international level.
This marks the first time Google has brought an operations center stateside; its other centers are located in India and the Philippines.
“This Google Operations Center represents a critical investment for the company and we look forward to being an active member of the local community for years to come,” Troy Dickerson, vice president of Google Operations Center is quoted as saying. “The new site will give us the opportunity to hire amazing local talent and we are confident that the Southaven community will be a great home for our Operations Center.”
Google’s announcement follows a larger shift in the tech industry’s typically coastal operating hubs. Earlier this year, Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk announced the creation of a U.S. manufacturing center to be headquartered in either Tulsa, Okla., or Austin, Texas.
Moving tech jobs to Middle America will likely create more lucrative jobs and attract talent to the region. Google has already reportedly begun hiring 100 employees by the end of 2020.
Mississippi politicians have reacted to the news by welcoming the company into the state.
“Google is a titan in the global economy and we are honored to have their first-class operation in our city,” Southaven Mayor Darren Musselwhite (R) said.
Similarly, Gov. Tate Reeves (R) stated that the arrival of Google “is a true testament to our skilled workforce and the increasing economic strength of our great state.”
“Mississippi and the Southaven community welcome Google with open arms, and we look forward to growing this partnership and creating opportunities for success for years to come,” Reeves continued.
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