Just a mile away from its existing facilities in north Austin, Apple plans to build a new 133-acre facility that will surely accelerate the drastic transformation of the Capital City. Plus, the number of Apple Austin campus jobs could reach 15,000 at the completion of the project in 2021. That’s not including the indirect economic impact that will surely result from the new campus.

The announcement came as a bit of a surprise. “There was no heads-up,” Council Member Jimmy Flannigan said. “It’s the same way they release an iPhone.” One has to assume that Apple’s decision to expand in Austin was affected by Amazon’s decision to locate elsewhere. Unlike the unsuccessful bid to bring Amazon’s H2 headquarters to town, Apple doesn’t appear to have needed much courting or convincing to double down in Austin.

The new facility will be in Williamson County, but is still within Austin city limits. Williamson County commissioners voted unanimously to approve $16 million of tax-funded for Apple. That’s on top of the $25 million the tech giant had already received from the Texas Enterprise Fund.

“It felt totally natural that we’d continue to grow here in the Lone Star state,” said Tony Ross, Apple’s senior director of Americas operations. “We are so excited that Williamson County will soon become an important part of our story.”

Apple Doubles Down on West Parmer Lane

Apple’s current facilities are within the Riata Vista Circle near West Parmer Lane. That location employs more than 6,000 non-retail employees who mainly do operations work. The new location will be roughly a mile to the west on the other side of McNeil Dr. There’s nothing but trees and brush in that area at the moment. PayPal and Electronic Arts have offices just a little farther west near Anderson Mill Dr.

The company’s press release includes high praise from Texas Governor Greg Abbott:

“[Apple’s] decision to expand operations in our state is a testament to the high-quality workforce and unmatched economic environment that Texas offers.”

another post you may like:

Apple’s Austin Campus to Create More Than 15,000 Jobs

To begin with, Apple’s new Austin campus will require 5,000 additional employees. That number could rise to as many as 15,000 within the next few years. That would make Apple the largest private employer in the Austin area. Austin already has the greatest number of Apple employees outside of Cupertino, California, the company’s headquarter city. New jobs at the new campus will include functions in engineering, R&D, operations, finance, sales and customer support.

In addition to the employment at the new Austin campus, thousands of indirect jobs could result from the new facility. Product and service providers in North Austin should also get a boost by serving so many new people.

“Apple has been a vital part of the Austin community for a quarter century,” said Austin Mayor Steve Adler. “We are thrilled that they are deepening their investment in our people and the city we love.”

another post you may like: