Apple picks Texas for $1B site

Apple announced Thursday that it will open a new campus in Austin, Texas, where it estimates about 15,000 jobs will be created across a variety of fields including engineering and finance.

The tech giant said in a statement that it would spend $1 billion to build the campus in north Austin, at a location less than a mile from existing Apple facilities.

A 133-acre facility will initially employ 5,000 workers, the company said, adding that the planned expansion is predicted to make Apple the largest employer in the city.

Apple is among the world’s most innovative companies and an avid creator of jobs in Texas and across the country,” Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) said in a statement. “Their decision to expand operations in our state is a testament to the high-quality workforce and unmatched economic environment that Texas offers."

"I thank Apple for this tremendous investment in Texas, and I look forward to building upon our strong partnership to create an even brighter future for the Lone Star State," he continued.

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

"We’re excited they are bringing more middle-skilled jobs to the area," Adler continued. "And we’re particularly gratified by their commitment to providing a great place to work for a large and growing number of America's veterans.”

The company added that it plans to open new facilities employing hundreds of workers each in Seattle, San Diego and Culver City, Calif., while expanding existing Apple locations in Pittsburgh, New York and Boulder, Colo.

Apple says that the plans are in line with its announcement in January to employ 20,000 U.S. workers by 2023. The company currently employs 9,000 workers in the U.S.

“Apple is proud to bring new investment, jobs and opportunity to cities across the United States and to significantly deepen our quarter-century partnership with the city and people of Austin,” Tim Cook, Apple's CEO, said in the release.

“Talent, creativity and tomorrow’s breakthrough ideas aren’t limited by region or zip code, and, with this new expansion, we’re redoubling our commitment to cultivating the high-tech sector and workforce nationwide.”

Another tech giant, Amazon, recently announced its decision to split its new headquarters -- along with 50,000 jobs -- between New York and suburban Washington, D.C.