Multimedia Victoria - NetApp expansion creates 68 new highly skilled jobs
NetApp expansion creates 68 new highly skilled jobs |
| News - 27 May 2009 |
| Leading US ICT company NetApp will expand its Australian operations in Melbourne, creating at least 68 Victorian jobs in the state’s innovative information and communications technology sector. Opening the company’s new offices today the Premier, John Brumby, said the expansion of the data management company and the associated jobs boost was a vote of confidence in the Victorian economy at a time when economies around the world were being affected by the Global Financial Crisis. “NetApp is among the world’s largest ICT companies and I welcome their expansion into Melbourne – Australia’s ICT hub,” Mr Brumby said. “This expansion creates highly skilled jobs for Victorians – ranging from software and systems engineers to field support and professional services.” Data management specialists NetApp’s new Melbourne office has a 5-star office design rating from the Green Building Council of Australia, incorporating the latest technology, state-of-the-art facilities and best practice environmental features including reduced water useage and better energy efficiency. Minister for Information and Communication Technology John Lenders joined the Premier in welcoming NetApp’s new centre and said that Victoria offered one of the world’s most desirable locations for international investment, thanks to a resilient economy, its proximity to Asia and a highly skilled population. “Melbourne’s natural advantages in innovation, research, training and education make us a great place for ICT companies to invest,” Mr Lenders said. “As today’s announcement shows, international ICT managers are increasingly basing their operations here, finding both the industry’s depth and expertise, and the time zone perfect for getting the best results in the Asia-Pacific region. “And the Brumby Labor Government is doing its bit to attract investment and jobs to Victoria by creating the right economic conditions for companies to expand despite the impact of the Global Financial Crisis. “ICT now contributes over $26 billion to the Victorian economy annually and employs more than 84,000 people, more than a third of the nation’s ICT workforce.” Area Vice President for NetApp Australia and New Zealand Peter O’Connor said the decision to expand its Melbourne office was easy. “Our mission is to enable business breakthroughs for customers. Victoria gives us the benefits to help us do that - the skills, the market and the opportunity to provide an outstanding customer experience,” Mr O’Connor said. “There are many opportunities for our business across Australia and South-East Asia and a significant portion of these will come out of Melbourne.” NetApp global revenues last year were worth US$3.4 billion, with offices in 130 countries across North America, Europe and Asia Pacific, and a workforce of more than 8,000. Since 1999, the Victorian Labor Government has invested $3.39 billion in science, technology and innovation to deliver a healthier, more productive and environmentally sustainable future for all Victorians. |
