Microsoft opened the doors of the Microsoft Canada Excellence Centre (MCEC) in Vancouver, a state-of-the art development facility that the company says will “create innovative products for the global market and develop technology talent in British Columbia.” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was among those present at the MCEC opening.
The MCEC is located in downtown Vancouver in a remodeled 142,000 square foot space in the Granville Centre. It features floor-to-ceiling views of the city and surrounding mountains. Designed by architect Clive Wilkinson, it has two 150-person multi-purpose community rooms, and both open and closed collaboration spaces. It also has a “Maker’s Garage,” an outlet for experimental projects with both hardware and software.
The MCEC will allow Microsoft’s presence in Vancouver to grow to more than 750 positions. It will inject $90 million in direct investment in the city annually, according to Microsoft.
Established in 1985, Microsoft Canada is the Canadian subsidiary of Microsoft.