Google looking to double Barcelona workforce 'in near future'

Internet giant Google is intending to double its technological workforce in Barcelona "in the near future," according to the Country Manager of Google Cloud for Spain and Portugal, Isaac Hernández.

Talking on the 'Revolució 4.0' program on Catalunya Ràdio at the weekend, Hernández said the US company is now looking for employees in the Catalan capital, both engineers and customer service personnel.

Hernández said Google has a "total" commitment to Barcelona, and described Catalonia as "very relevant" and an "innovation hub" for advanced tech, both in terms of traditional companies and the "effervescent" ecosystem of digital businesses.

Hernández said Google has a "total" commitment to Barcelona, and described Catalonia as "very relevant" and an "innovation hub" for advanced tech, both in terms of traditional companies and the "effervescent" ecosystem of digital businesses.

Amazon and Facebook in Barcelona

Barcelona has become a major draw for global tech firms. For example, Amazon opened an office in the city's 22@ business district last year, employing over 200 people to provide support for SMEs in France, Italy and Spain.

That followed the announcement by the online retailer that it plans to open a 51,000 square meter facility in Barberà del Vallès, an industrial town not far from Barcelona, which will become the company’s second-largest premises in the country.

Also last year, Facebook announced it had chosen Barcelona for its global hub to tackle fake news, with the social media company planning to open new offices employing 500 people in the Torre Glòries, one of the city’s most emblematic skyscrapers.