AUSTIN, Texas (KGO) -- Cupertino-based Apple is branching out its operations right here in the United States, adding thousands of jobs. The company plans to set up shop in three new locations on the West Coast and expand four other spots around the country. Perhaps the biggest is a $1 billion investment in a new campus in Austin, Texas. Project plans point to Apple becoming the city's largest private employer. "We'll start with 5,000 seats, with the ability to expand to 15,000 over time," Apple's VP of People, Deirdre O'Brien said in a Thursday morning press conference. Apple and Texas leaders hailed the high-tech operation, which will eventually take over 133 acres. At home in California, DRONEVIEW7 was over Apple headquarters, the sleek "spaceship" in the South Bay. The new Austin campus would be the largest outside Cupertino. Austin Mayor, Steve Adler, hailed the high tech expansion, "Apple is deepening their investment in our people, our counties, region and city."