IBM Opens Services Delivery Center in U.S. Heartland; Hiring Under Way

New facility in Dubuque, Iowa, will provide high-value information technology services to IBM clients.

DUBUQUE, Iowa.- At a ribbon cutting ceremony today, IBM (NYSE: IBM ) and leaders of Iowa’s business and governmental communities announced that the new IBM technology services delivery center -- located in the historic Roshek Building in downtown Dubuque, Iowa -- is now operational. IBM has hired several hundred people to work in the new facility and intends to employ up to 1,300 by the end of 2010.

The new facility joins an extensive network of more than 80 IBM delivery centers worldwide where employees maintain, monitor and support computer hardware, software and manage information technology services for thousands of IBM clients.

The opening of IBM’s technology services delivery center in Dubuque is a milestone in the ongoing renaissance of the midwestern city. A model for 21st century economic development, Dubuque was recently awarded the 2009 Excellence in Economic Development Award by U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke for its commitment to research-based, market driven economic development. The U.S. Conference of Mayors named Dubuque the 2008 “Most Livable Small City” in the nation -- for attributes that include historical architecture, diverse arts and cultural amenities, abundant natural beauty, a skilled and educated workforce and numerous quality private and public institutions of higher learning.

“I am committed to bringing high-quality jobs to our state, and I want to thank IBM for their partnership,” said Governor Culver. “IBM’s decision to locate their new technology delivery center in the region makes the company a key player in Iowa’s growing information technology economy. I am pleased to welcome them to our state.”

“Today is a great day for our community, the tri-state region, and the state of Iowa,” said Dubuque Mayor Roy D. Buol. “We wholeheartedly welcome IBM and its employees to Dubuque and look forward to a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship. We are honored that IBM saw the potential in our community and workforce and chose to make this investment.”

“I’m thrilled to see IBM’s new facility open today and bring with it good jobs to Dubuque. IBM’s renovation of the Roshek Building is a model for downtown revitalization and sustainable development, and I hope it inspires similar efforts across Iowa and the U.S. This project shows that Iowa has the skilled workforce and the willingness to invest in the jobs of the 21st century,” said U.S. Representative Bruce Braley.

“IBM’s global delivery centers are critical in delivering information technology services to our clients around the world,” said Mike Daniels, senior vice president and group executive, IBM Global Technology Services. “Today we celebrate the opening of a new center in Dubuque, Iowa, that will be a key hub in our delivery network, serving clients in the United States. We are delighted to partner with the city of Dubuque and the state of Iowa and look forward to a successful and enduring relationship.”

In January 2009, IBM announced the signing of a 10-year lease, with optional extension years, to occupy the Roshek Building. The City of Dubuque, Dubuque Initiatives and IBM have worked together to upgrade the facility to make it a “green” building. With the goal of achieving Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, steps have been taken to ensure the renovation meets green building standards in the six categories outlined by the U.S. Green Building Council: sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor air quality and innovation in design.

IBM will continue to work with institutions of higher learning in the tri-state area of Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin to recruit and train potential employees. In addition, IBM will continue look for opportunities to partner with these schools to enhance their curricula to better prepare students for opportunities in the information technology industry, including the types of roles found at IBM.