An announcement about Apple’s plans to build a new HQ in Raleigh, North Carolina is “imminent,” a new report suggests.
This follows another recent news story suggesting it is a “done deal,” just so long as the proper incentives package is agreed. From the sound of things, Apple is pleased with the way talks have progressed!
A big deal for Raleigh
The new headquarters would bring around 10,000 jobs to North Carolina, including major investment in its Research Triangle Park, close to the University of North Carolina, NC State and Duke University.
Apple’s total investment would likely be between $1.5 billion and $2 billion, with jobs — predominantly in R&D — paying an average of $130,000 per year.
One government source previously said that this would be, “by far the biggest project this state’s ever seen as far as average salaries, number of jobs.”
Controversy about the location
Not everyone has been happy about Apple’s choice of location, however. Last month, LGBT publication The Advocate reported that gay rights activists are “livid” about the possibility that Apple may be considering moving to the area.
This is the result of the area’s history of anti-LGBT laws. Most infamous of these was the Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act, which made it law for people to use the public restrooms and changing rooms which correspond with their birth certificate sex, as opposed to their self-identified gender.
Apple has kept quiet on the HQ-seeking mission so far (unlike Amazon, which was also focused on North Carolina as a potential location.) Should Apple announce something soon, though, it will be interesting to see if any company officials address this concern.
Source: WRALtechwire (Not available in the EU)
Via: Apple Insider
