Gov. Kay Ivey on Thursday announced plans for tech giant Meta Platforms to open an $800 million data center in Alabama's capital city that will support 100 jobs and expand the company's existing investment in the state.
The new 715,000-square-foot AI-optimized data center will be built across from the Hyundai auto assembly plant along Interstate 65 in Montgomery. The data center will join the company's other Alabama data center campus in Huntsville, which represents a committed investment of $1.5 billion.
The Montgomery site where the Meta data center will be located is already being cleared for construction to begin, and Meta says it expects to have more than 1,000 construction workers on site at peak construction time.
The facility is expected to be operational at the end of 2026, according to Governor Ivey.
“Millions of people around the world use Meta's products every day, and their next-generation Alabama data center in Montgomery will soon help keep the company's popular platform running smoothly,” said Governor Ivey.
“Meta has put down roots in another great place, Sweet Home, Alabama, and we are committed to helping the company grow and thrive here.”
💥Breaking News: Tech giant Meta plans to build AI-optimized data center in Montgomery
☑️$800 million investment
☑️100 high paying jobs
☑️Growth potential⚡️https://t.co/7QnZc7uiRS pic.twitter.com/zNwKy8SHng
— Made in Alabama (@MadeinAL) May 2, 2024
Governor Ivey joined Meta executives, state and local leaders at a ceremony today at the Montgomery-Whitewater facility to announce Meta's new Alabama investment plans.
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Headquartered in Menlo Park, California, Meta operates products and services such as Facebook, Instagram, Threads and WhatsApp. Meta data centers are a critical part of the global infrastructure that enables these technologies and services.
The Montgomery data center reflects Meta's latest design and will be its 24th data center.Number Data Hub and 20Number It will be built in the United States. Once operational, the facility will achieve LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, run on 100 percent renewable energy and achieve net-zero emissions, according to Governor Ivey's office.
“We are pleased to announce that our newest data center will be located in Montgomery. The city and our location offer excellent infrastructure, access to renewable energy, a talented workforce, and most importantly, great community partners,” said Brad Davis, Meta's director of community and economic development. “We look forward to building a strong partnership for years to come.”
Related: Huntsville's infrastructure, education system to benefit from $750M Facebook data center expansion (2022)
“Meta is a globally recognized brand and this world-class technology company's new investment project in Alabama is a clear indication of our state's appeal to high-tech companies from around the world,” said Alabama Secretary of Commerce Ellen McNair.
“We look forward to building on the close relationship we have built with Meta and laying the foundation for further growth in the state.”
Meta has also provided more than 85 grants and sponsorships totaling more than $4.2 million to Huntsville-area schools and educational institutions since 2019.
Grayson Everett is the state and politics editor for Yellow Hammer News. You can follow him on Twitter. Grayson
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