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Apple is expanding its European operations with the opening of a new product testing facility in Cork, Ireland.
The new test facility, located near Apple’s Hollyhill campus in Cork, is a former Banta warehouse complex that Apple purchased in 2020. Engineers and technicians working at the facility will use electron microscopes and CT scanners, among other things, to examine products, reported the Irish Examiner. The aim is to find possible ways to improve the durability or performance of Apple's products. The test center is only Apple's third worldwide.
Apple further expands presence in Cork
The conversion cost tens of millions of euros and employed 300 people. While the original structure of the warehouse has been retained, the interior has been renovated. Cathy Kearny, Vice President of Apple European Operations, said the new center is located in Cork because of its 40-year history, the necessary expertise in the region and the high quality of the existing team in Cork. Kearny explained:
It's a natural evolution from all the investment over the last few years. The focus of this facility is to ensure the best product, durability and performance. The lab team here will test and analyze Apple's entire product range. This facility is the first of its kind in Europe and we are very excited to have it here in Cork.
Test center is not the only expansion project in Ireland
Kearny also discussed other research activities in Cork, including artificial intelligence and machine learning.
We set up this team in late 2019. At the height of COVID, the team grew to over 680 people and continues to grow. It's a very, very diverse team with over 20 nationalities and a huge range of experience. The new development and testing facility and teams like AIML are an exciting addition to the work we're doing in Cork. It's really good to see the skills we're building here and how they connect with the work we've already done here.
The test center is not the only expansion project Apple is working on in Ireland. The company is trying to build a billion-dollar data center in Athenry, which has already hit several hurdles. In July 2021, Apple opened three floors in Cork in a historic building overlooking the River Lee, the docks, the railway site and downtown Cork. (Image: Apple)
