Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ: MSFT) will expand its Michigan operations by creating a business consulting center in Southfield, MI. Crains reports that the Redmond, WA-based software company will be creating a Microsoft Technology Center, one of nine in the country, in the Southfield Town Center. Microsoft has used the concept in other markets to help businesses use its products to solve problems, but also as a way for the companies to help each other,  Drew Costakis, director of the Southfield technology center told Crains.

“Our new Technology Center is another expression of Microsoft’s longstanding commitment to the Detroit community, and we believe it will become a valuable resource for metro Detroit businesses,” said Mr. Costakis .“Because of its central location in southeast Michigan, the new facility is in an ideal location for customers throughout the region, enabling them to take advantage of all our technology offerings closer to home,” Mr. Costakis told the Oakland Press.

“We can do things at the high level to envision what to do with our software, we can collaborate on product designs, or even how to work from home,” he said.  “At the same time, we have a large partner ecosystem with companies such as HP, EDS and Siemens. We can help our customers make connections as well.” Costakis explains “In Chicago, for example, where we’ve been there for a long time, it’s constantly booked.” Microsoft said its lease of the space began Aug. 1, and the opening of the Microsoft Technology Center opening is planned for late fall.

Currently, there are eight Microsoft Technology Center in the U.S.

• Atlanta
• Boston
• Chicago
• Dallas
• Irvine, CA
• New York
• Reston, VA
• Silicon Valley

Costakis would not comment on how many employees might be added for the expansion. Microsoft has 200 employees in Southfield and now occupies approx. 40,000 square feet in the 1000 building of the Southfield Town Center office complex. The MTC will occupy space next to Microsoft’s existing Southfield office on the 19th floor of 1000 Town Center Drive and occupy an extra 17,000 square feet. Microsoft has been a tenant of Southfield Town Center for 19 years

Mr. Costakis, a former automotive engineer, said it would be ideal to have a relationship with Lawrence Technological University across the Lodge Freeway.

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