MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Google will soon open its first U.S. Operations Center in Southaven, Mississippi, mayor of the DeSoto County city said Thursday.
Southaven Mayor Darren Musselwhite said construction on the new 60,000-square-foot facility at 5665 Airways Boulevard just north of Tanger Outlets is projected to begin in August. Operations are set to begin in the second quarter of 2021.
The facility is expected to employ 100 people in customer and operations support initially, with plans to expand to 350, Musselwhite said.
Google has two other operations centers globally, in the Phillipines and India, Musselwhite said. This is the first such facility in the U.S.
The total investment in Southaven is $26 million, the mayor said.
“What happened today is one of the biggest developments ever in the history of our city,” Musselwhite said.
Musselwhite said there was no large public incentive used to bring Google to Southaven, aside from an incentive for large developments inside the city Metro District. “They did make reference to fact that we had advertised our Metro District, which does provide an incentive for a development over $25 million,” he said.
Business neighbors and others call it a game changer.
“You got FedEx who we work with quite a bit, and that’s positive for the community. A company like Google coming in can make a positive outcome,” said Justin Garner with Alders Alarm Company.
“I think it’ll be good news for Desoto County, Olive Branch and all,” Jamie Berryhill said. “I’m a Career Tech teacher and so it’ll be good for our students to some new jobs.\”
“All of the workforce will be local. All of the jobs of 100 initial professional jobs when it opens next summer,” Musselwhite said.
Google announced in late 2019 that it would open an operations center in northwest Mississippi. Many speculated DeSoto County could be the location, although the exact location was not disclosed at the time.
Musselwhite says Google found Southaven appealing for geographic location to the interstate, Memphis and its airport, but much more.
“Google is a titan in the global economy, and we are honored to have their first-class operation in our city,” Musselwhite said. “It’s a great testament to our city and people that such a fine organization has chosen us as their newest home. I look forward to seeing the career opportunities this will provide for our people and the joint success the City of Southaven, Desoto County, State of Mississippi, and Google will enjoy together for many years in the future.”
To apply for a Google Operations Center Customer Support Associate job at the new center, go to www.googleoperationscenter.com/jobs. Google says it will provide competitive wages and comprehensive health care. A college degree is not required.
