News Releases for May 2007
May 22, 2007
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Hoeven, Microsoft, City Officials Announce Fargo Expansion
BISMARCK, N.D. – Gov. John Hoeven today joined Microsoft Business Division President Jeff Raikes and city officials to announce the first phase of a planned expansion at the company’s Fargo campus. The first phase includes construction of a third 120,000-square-foot building that can accommodate up to 575 new employees and a 65,000-square-foot expansion of the company’s existing Horizon Building. The first-phase construction is expected to be completed by mid-2009 at a cost of $70 million.
“We’re truly pleased that Microsoft has added 175 new jobs at its Fargo campus this year, which will end on June 30, and we’re very excited that they plan to add 200 quality jobs by July 1, 2008,” Hoeven said. “We certainly appreciate Microsoft’s commitment to Fargo and North Dakota. The company’s growth and success in our state is a testament to our first-rate business climate and quality workforce.”
The 120,000-square-foot Horizon Building was completed in 1999, and has a total occupancy of 600 people. The company’s Vista Building was completed in 2001, and has a total occupancy of 475. The expansion announced today will bring 185,000-square-feet of new space online.
The master plan for the Fargo campus is to expand the workforce to 3,800 employees, vendors and contingent staff when at full capacity. The company currently employs a total of 1,293 people in the Fargo area. Beyond 2008, Microsoft Business Division is anticipating 3 to 5 percent growth annually for several years, enabling the addition of new jobs.
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