Sources inform ''Globes'' that Motorola Inc. (MOT) is considering setting up an R&D center in the Jordan Valley. The center will hire an initial 100 persons, and 400 within a few years. Motorola will reportedly invest $50 million in the center, although most of the cost will be for salaries and operations. An Israeli R&D center will create an advantage in transferring production to Motorola Israel.
A senior Motorola Israel executive said the idea to expand the company’s small R&D center in the Jordan Valley was in the advanced stages of discussion at the company, but that the plan was confidential because no formal approval has yet been given by all the relevant authorities at the company.
A Motorola Israel spokesperson said in response, “It’s premature to comment on the matter.”
Motorola picked the Jordan Valley as the site for its international R&D center because it is a National Priority A’ area, eligible for investment benefits from the state. The company plans to hire students and engineers from throughout northern Israel, including Yokne’am, Haifa, Tiberias, Beit She’an, and the Golan Heights. As part of its recruitment drive, the company published help-wanted ads in newspapers without disclosing it name. It seems that Motorola will have no trouble hiring engineers, technicians and development in the area.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes.co.il - on October 18, 2006
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