Apple is set to build its newest 37,000-square-meter data centre in the US that is expected to create more than 10,000 jobs. The company is targeting to finish constructing the state-of-art building by 2020.
The Cupertino-based iPhone giant is earmarking US$1.3bn for the construction of a new data centre in Waukee, Iowa. Apple wants to pledge protect the environment, renewable energy projects in collaboration with local partners to power the new facility. The data centre in Iowa is touted to be the most advanced to date.
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Apple chief executive Tim Cook says in a statement, the facility will run completely on renewable energy like any of its other data centres. Cook also notes the massive job creation the new project will bring to the community in Iowa.
"Apple is responsible for 2 million jobs in all 50 states", says Cook. "We're proud today's investment will add to the more than 10,000 jobs we already support across Iowa, providing even more economic opportunity for the community".
The construction and its operation itself will create over 550 jobs in the Des Moines area. The company has also donated US$100m for Waukee's Public Improvement Fund intended for community development and infrastructure, including the Waukee Youth Sports Campus.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds says the investment "is vital as we continue to develop as a technology hub and grow our workforce".
Waukee Mayor Bill Peard is thankful of the new project since it "will bring with it high-quality jobs and important infrastructure developments for the city".
Apple is one of the biggest job creators in the US, employing 2 million people across the country.
