Global optics and optoelectronics technology company Zeiss has completed construction of its new R&D, production, sales and customer service site in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Bringing together hundreds of employees and key functions under one roof, it represents a major milestone in the company’s international innovation and growth strategy.
“The new Zeiss Innovation Center harnesses our technological, research and customer services strengths in one of the world’s premier technology innovation locations,” said Dr Christian Müller, chief financial officer of the Zeiss Group. “This long-term commitment to the Bay Area and the North American market, strongly supports the development of exciting innovations that benefit our global customers, alongside new collaboration opportunities with our partners across academia, industry and local communities.”
The $180 million investment in the new high-tech site in Dublin, a fast-growing city near San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose, is an integral part of the company’s global strategy to expand its presence close to research centres and growth markets. The Zeiss Innovation Center’s R&D efforts will increasingly focus on digital solutions and scientific and industry partnerships spanning disciplines and technologies – key drivers behind the company’s decision to locate the centre in the Bay Area.
The facility will house customer experience and demonstration centres showcasing recent Zeiss innovations, as well as research laboratories, service and production facilities.
The opening of the Innovation Center coincides with the 175th anniversary of the Zeiss Group, which was founded in 1846 in Jena, Germany. Commemoration initiatives will spotlight the company’s long-held commitment to open, unbiased and science-based problem-solving leading to breakthrough technologies that benefit current and future generations. In that spirit, the Innovation Center is designed to foster entrepreneurial ventures among Zeiss employees, research partners and customers in a state-of-the-art open, team-oriented work environment.
It is also said to meet the highest green energy and sustainability standards. The building is powered by solar energy, supported by use-based light and air controls and a heat recovery system. Sophisticated light and insulation technologies help regulate the indoor temperature. Rainwater collection and retention, along with wetland enhancement and maintenance, are incorporated into the exterior design. To support commutes and help reduce traffic congestion and pollution, employees will have access to electric vehicle chargers, bike storage, and carpool options.
The centre accommodates approximately 700 workspaces and the move-in will be phased over coming months in compliance with COVID-19 precautions and state and federal regulations.
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