Information contained in this news release is current as of the date of the press announcement, but may be subject to change without prior notice.
October 23, 2019
One of the world’s largest companies – the Japanese conglomerate Hitachi – has signed up to be the first tenant at the Aerotropolis, with a collaboration and research centre that will generate hi-tech jobs.
The centre, based on Hitachi’s successful Kyoso-no-mori facility in Japan, will promote collaborative creation-style research between business, academics and government.
It will create more than 85 advanced technology jobs in Western Sydney, in fields such as data analytics, artificial intelligence and other technologies.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian made the announcement at Parliament House with Dr Norihiro Suzuki, Vice President and Executive Officer, CTO and Mr Hideki Osumi, General Manager of Smart Digital Solution Business Development Division, and General Manager of Smart Life Business Management Division, from Hitachi Ltd.
Ms Berejiklian said the ‘Kyoso’ centre would bring Hitachi’s successful ‘Social Innovation Business’ concept to Western Sydney, and was an important step towards ensuring the new Aerotropolis delivers on its promise to be a hub for innovation, research and development.
“Their presence at the Aerotropolis will attract the brightest minds and the best in business to the region – a great opportunity for economic development and job creation into the future,” Ms Berejiklian said.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said this initiative will create opportunities for Western Sydney to lead on solutions to social, economic and environmental challenges in NSW and abroad.
“Hitachi have been on board with our Government’s ambitious Aerotropolis vision from the start. It is exciting that Hitachi is exploring advanced manufacturing and digital research and development in the Western Parkland City,” Mr Ayres said.
Dr Suzuki said Hitachi’s vision was to investigate challenges facing society, customers and stakeholders and to work together to identify ways to resolve the issues
“It means we can attract the brightest minds and the best in business to the region: a great opportunity for economic development and job creation into the future.”
“Hitachi looks forward to being a founding tenant of the new smart city and will continue to work with the Western City & Aerotropolis Authority to contribute to the planning and design of the Advanced Manufacturing and Research Precinct,” Dr Suzuki said.
“By drawing on vast experience and technology in social infrastructure and information technology, Hitachi works to provide the best outcomes and help improve customers’ economic, social and environmental value. Hitachi hopes to accelerate Kyoso-style collaborative creation in Western Sydney.”
Construction on the Kyoso centre is expected to begin in late 2022. To date, the NSW Government has signed 17 MOUs with national and international Foundation Partners in the Aerotropolis, with more commercial agreements expected to be signed over the coming months.
