Google (News - Alert) announced this week it plans to double its server capacity at its Oklahoma data center location. The expansion will add about 50 full-time jobs to the area around Pryor, Oklahoma.
The new facility will exist next to the current data center in Mayes County, which became fully operational in 2011. Google’s total investment in the two facilities will reach about $700 million once the new building is completed.
Google’s new facility will feature office space, gym, game room and café – typical for Google.
“In addition to expanding our operational footprint, our new facilities will enable us to offer services to our employees that will improve their day-to-day work experience and contribute to their health and wellbeing,” said Mike Wooten, Google operations manager at the Oklahoma data center location.
The Oklahoma data center location supports several of Google’s products, including Search, Maps, Gmail and Google Plus. The location currently employs 100 workers. Google plans to hire locally for the 50 job openings, which includes equipment maintenance personnel and server deployment positions.
The company announced its expansion the same day that Yahoo announced its plans to cut 14 percent of its workforce, equivalent to 2,000 jobs. Yahoo is currently restructuring its business model under current CEO Scott Thompson who took over the position in January, and plans to create a global media division consisting of decentralized units.
Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin is thrilled about the Google expansion and welcomes the new jobs it brings to the Pryor area. “It was one heck of a party,” said Gov. Fallin in regard to their celebration of its expansion.
Google recently announced plans to expand its presence in the “Tech City” area of London with a new Google startup center, focused on getting young tech companies off the ground. The new tech hub will provide office space to about 100 startups.