Google Inc. has announced plans to invest $600 million to build a data center complex at MidAmerica Industrial Park in Pryor, Okla.
Google’s data centers are a worldwide network of specialized buildings that contain the computers that support Google services. Google will begin site preparation and construction in the coming weeks, and the company plans to begin operation in the first facility within the next 18 months.
Another data center building is planned for the site, with construction following the completion of the first building. Expansion needs beyond these two buildings depend on future business needs and will be evaluated at a later date.
“Our new project in Oklahoma will help us continue to provide fast, reliable and innovative online services to our users and customers,” said Lloyd Taylor, Director of Global Operations, Google Inc. “The assets that we found here at MidAmerica Industrial Park are an outstanding fit for our needs. Representatives of MidAmerica Industrial Park, the Department of Commerce, and other local agencies have been wonderfully helpful during our site selection process.”
Once fully operational, Google expects the data center complex to be staffed by up to 200 workers. Full-time Google employees will earn an average salary of about $48,000 per year. These positions include Facilities Support (HVAC, maintenance), Systems Administration (software technicians) and Data Center Technicians. Some additional support services will be retained via contract (security, catering, grounds keeping, etc.).
The firm’s journey to Oklahoma began in late 2005 when Google began to survey the central region of the nation for potential data center sites. The survey covered a dozen Midwest states that ranged from “the Appalachians to the Rockies.”
In early 2006, Google site selection representatives began to visit a short list of states that would provide good operating environments for a Google data center. The field of candidate sites continued to narrow until mid-2006, when Google representatives began to discuss specific project details with officials at MidAmerica and the State of Oklahoma.
In late 2006, members of Google’s site selection team concluded discussions on the MidAmerica site and began to finalize contractual agreements to purchase the property. Google continues to look for additional potential data center sites and expects to make more announcements in the future.
Located 30 miles east of Tulsa, MidAmerica Industrial Park is a 9,000-acre manufacturing, processing and distribution center located south of Pryor, Okla. Founded in 1960, the park now has a 365-acre regional business airport with a 5,000-foot runway, and owns the wastewater and water treatment plants.
The nation’s largest rural industrial park, MidAmerica is owned and operated as a self-sustaining public trust established to enhance economic development and job creation efforts in Northeast Oklahoma. Over 75 firms are located within the park including divisions of seven “Fortune 500,” eight “Global 500,” and 16 publicly traded companies.
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