Apple has announced plans for its second R&D center in China, located in the country’s manufacturing hub Shenzhen. The 2017 opening will help Apple further grow its market in the world’s second largest economy as it challenges local competition.
“We are excited to be opening a new Research and Development center here next year so our engineering team can work even more closely and collaboratively with our manufacturing partners,” Apple spokesperson Josh Rosenstock said.
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The news of Apple’s proposed second R&D center follows an announcement last month that it plans to open one in Beijing’s Zhongguancun Science Park, which will employ 500 people dedicated to, “the development of computer software and hardware products, communication, audio and video devices, as well as advanced technologies for consumer electronics products and the information industry.”
Tim Cook revealed the plans for the new Shenzhen center during a meeting with senior officials from the southern Chinese city. He was attending a national innovation event. “The Shenzhen center, along with the Beijing center, is also aimed at strengthening relationships with local partners and universities as we work to support talent development across the country,” Cook noted.
As with Apple’s existing R&D centers in Japan, Israel, and the U.K., the company reportedly wants to hire local talent, specifically Chinese software engineers.
Terry Gou, founder and CEO of Apple supplier Foxconn, also attended the same meeting as Tim Cook.
Source: Reuters
