GM opens Chandler IT Innovation Center, targets 1,000 jobs
General Motors has opened its fourth Information Technology Innovation Center in Chandler, Arizona, aiming to employ 1,000 people within two years as part of its in-sourcing technology strategy.
General Motors has opened its fourth Information Technology Innovation Center, this time in Chandler, Arizona, with the aim of employing 1,000 people at the site within two years. The new facility is part of GM's ongoing push to bring more of its technology development in-house and reduce reliance on external suppliers.
The Chandler site joins GM's existing IT Innovation Centers in Warren, Michigan; Austin, Texas; and Roswell, Georgia. Unlike the earlier sites, the Arizona centre is the first to be built as a standalone facility from the ground up, occupying 170,000 square feet. Construction began in March 2013, and the company has already filled 500 positions, with a quarter of those hires being recent college graduates.
Expanding in-house technology development
GM's strategy to create its own technology workforce is aimed at accelerating software development, improving data security and integrating IT more closely with vehicle engineering. By operating its own facilities, GM expects to respond faster to changes in connected car technology and data management, areas increasingly critical to modern automotive manufacturing.
The Chandler centre is expected to double its workforce in the next two to five years, reflecting GM's commitment to building a large internal pool of IT professionals. The company has said that the centre will focus on software development, database management and other advanced IT functions supporting GM's global operations.
Impact on jobs and local economy
The opening of the Chandler centre is expected to have a direct impact on the local economy, with the creation of around 1,000 high-skilled, well-paid jobs. The company has highlighted its recruitment of recent graduates, suggesting a focus on developing new talent alongside experienced hires. Local officials have welcomed the investment, citing the potential for economic growth and the development of Arizona's tech sector.
GM's move mirrors similar investments by other automakers in US technology hubs. Ford, for example, has established a research and development centre in Silicon Valley to deepen its own tech capabilities. For more on automaker tech investments, see Ford opens Palo Alto R&D centre to deepen Silicon Valley ties.
GM’s wider IT Innovation Center network
The Chandler facility is the latest step in GM’s multi-site IT strategy. The Warren, Austin and Roswell centres have already begun to support a range of internal projects, and the Arizona centre is expected to play a similar role as the company expands its digital and connected vehicle platforms. GM’s approach contrasts with earlier models that relied more heavily on outsourcing, marking a shift towards in-house control of core technology processes.
The Chandler centre’s progress will be watched closely by both the automotive and technology sectors as GM continues to re-shape its IT operations and workforce.
