Bank global technology interview questions

Existing Business and Industry Support:
 
We have made existing industry calls on the following companies: ABB North America, Deutsche Bank Global Technology, MTS Sensors and Cary Town Center.  Some general observations:

•    ABB moved their North American Headquarters to Cary about 18 months ago.  They presently employ around 300 at their offices in Regency Park.  They have been very pleased with their decision to locate in Cary and have recently announced expansions at research operations they have on Centennial Campus at NC State and for a manufacturing operation near Charlotte.  The company is working with the utility companies, suppliers and competitors to advance “smart grid” technology and they hope to make this area a showcase for advances on power grid technology.

•    Deutsche Bank announced one year ago that they would locate their Global Technology Center in Cary.  The company leased around 33,000 square feet in CentreGreen in Weston.  They announced that they would create over the coming years 300+ jobs.  Current employment stands at approximately 100.  They plan to add 100 or more jobs during 2011.  They have had good success attracting the talent they need from the local universities as well as from the existing labor force.  They have also moved individuals here from other Deutsche Bank facilities successfully.  Company indicated that they have “never questioned their decision to come to Cary.”  They did express some concern about the turmoil in the school system assignment situation.

•    MTS Sensors located in Cary in the mid 1980’s.  The company makes all types of sensing devices for use in underground tank applications to hydraulic tools.  They did reduce their work force during the recession but have been hiring in the past months and are now up to around 80 employees.  They are bringing on new engineering talent and are optimistic about the future.

•    We met with the management of Cary Towne Center following the Thanksgiving shopping rush.  They were very pleased with the volume they experienced over the “Black Friday Weekend” with many of their tenants experiencing 10 – 25 % more sales than projected.  They have lost a few tenants during the past two years but presently are fully leased.  Sales per square foot are up but still not to prerecession levels.  All out parcels at the site are sold or have ground leases.  The exterior facelift in the area of Coldwater Creek and Chico’s has been well received.  There are no current plans to additional exterior changes.

As noted in the September Report, HCL America is continuing to add employees to their workforce as a result of new clients they have taken on.  Wake Tech is providing training that relates to their expansion.