Governor Fallin and Secretary of Commerce Dave Lopez joined Google officials today at a news conference at the Capitol to unveil Google’s plan to expand its data center operation at the MidAmerica Industrial Park near Pryor in Mayes County. The new facility will be constructed next to the original data center which was dedicated in September 2011 and will double production capacity and add several employee amenities.
“We welcome the news today of Google’s plans to continue investing in Oklahoma,” commented Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin. “Google’s decision to increase the size of their data center in Mayes County highlights the attractiveness of our state as a place to invest and do business. As a global company recognized for creating innovative online tools that help businesses and individuals succeed, Google has found a technical workforce with a strong work ethic in Oklahoma, one equal to the task of operating their data center in Pryor. Moreover, Google’s substantial investment, one of the largest in our state’s history at more than $700 million, represents a major step in further diversifying our state’s economy and ensuring Oklahoma plays a large role in the ever-emerging tech industry.”
The Google data center in Mayes County currently employs more than 100 workers and houses computer systems and associated components that support services such as Google Search, Gmail, Google Maps, and new products including Google+. Coming just six months after the grand opening, the new building will not only bring Google’s investment to more than $700 million, but will also result in the creation of up to 50 additional jobs in Mayes County.