Almost two years ago, the Cupertino giant announced a billionaire investment for the construction of its European Center for Silicon Design (European Silicon Design Center), located in Munich, Germany. Today, the company announced the expansion of its enterprise with €1 billion (more than R$5.5 billion) for the installation.
According to the company, a state-of-the-art research facility will be built in Seidlstrasse (Munich location), which will have significant laboratory space, cutting-edge design and central location to allow Apple’s research and development teams “to come together in new ways, enhancing collaboration and innovation.”
Our Munich engineering teams are at the forefront of innovation, helping to imagine new technologies at the heart of the products we make. Apple has been in Munich for over 40 years and we’ve never been more excited about what the future holds here.
—Tim CookCEO from Apple
In addition to the new facility on Seidlstrasse, Apple teams will occupy several additional R&D spaces in other regions, including Denisstrasse and Marsstrasse, as part of the expansion. The three new locations are in close proximity, creating a hub of invention and innovation in the center of Munich.
Like other Apple facilities around the world, the new one will be designed with the highest standards of sustainability, achieving LEED Gold ratings (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) for its environmental credentials. As part of these efforts, Apple plans to support employees’ sustainable urban mobility with carbon-free charging points and parking for cars and bicycles.
Apple also shared some important data about the impact of its ecosystem on the German economy. Between them, the company has grown by more than 80% in Germany over the last 5 years and has added over 1,600 team members in the last three years alone — adding up to more than 4,500 employees in all.
Furthermore, in the last five years, Apple has spent around €18 billion (over R$44 billion) with more than 800 German companies, supporting job creation, community development and workforce opportunities across the country.
Likewise, Germany’s iOS app economy now supports over 400,000 jobs, and developers across Germany have earned over €3 billion (~R$16.5 billion) from their apps.
Ultimately, Apple employees raised nearly €830 million (nearly R$4.6 billion) in donations worldwide from their program Employee Giving.