Project Bulletin: January 23, 2024

Google expands in the United Kingdom to support Google Cloud customers and Google users.

Photo courtesy of Google

Last week, Google announced that it would be investing $1 billion to deliver critical technical infrastructure that will aid innovation and tech-led growth in the United Kingdom. The company plans to construct a new data center 12 miles north of London in the town of Waltham Cross. With a goal of having Google’s portfolio of data centers powered by carbon-free energy, this location will run on energy generated by the Moray West wind farm in Scotland. The 33-acre site is the latest investment Google has planned in the UK, following the $1 billion purchase in early 2022 of the Central Saint Giles complex in London where the company was leasing space while it constructs a new HQ in Kings Cross two miles away.

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The city of Hyderabad supports more than 1,000 innovators in the life sciences industry.

Photo courtesy of the Government of Telangana

Aragen Life Sciences officials are confident in the future of India’s city of Hyderabad as a hub for Contract Research Organizations (CROs). Which is why the company has invested $241 million to expand its Hyderabad site in the state of Telangana. This project supports efforts within drug discovery, development and manufacturing. “Hyderabad has emerged as the undisputed national headquarters for CROs and CDMOs like Aragen over the years,” said Aragen Life Sciences Director and CEO Manni Kantipudi. “Hyderabad offers modern infrastructure, access to the best scientific talent in the country, a strong network of suppliers, and an ecosystem that allows for innovation in digital technologies.” The investment will create 1,500 new jobs.

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Silicone produced at the Czech Republic site will be used to protect sensitive electronic components.

Photo courtesy of WACKER

Chemicals company Wacker Chemie AG has a new $106.2 million facility planned in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic. The investment was made thanks to rising interest in electromobility and renewable energy, both of which utilize specialty silicone for production processes. Karlovy Vary’s strategic location supports the company’s three operations throughout Germany — the company’s Burghausen location will supply raw materials as production begins. This site will produce room-temperature-curing silicone by 2025 and include high-temperature-curing silicone at a later date. About 200 jobs are expected to be created at the site, which will produce 20,000 tons of custom silicone per year.

Reports compiled, written and edited by Alexis Elmore and Adam Bruns