On Thursday, Governor Kay Ivey announced that technology giant Meta Platforms plans to open an $800 million data center in Alabama’s capital city that will support 100 operational jobs and build on the company’s previous investment in the state.
The new 715,000-square-foot, AI-optimized data center will be built off Interstate 65 in Montgomery, across from the Hyundai automotive assembly plant. It will join the company’s other Alabama data center campus, located in Huntsville and representing an investment commitment of $1.5 billion.
The Montgomery site that will house the Meta data center is already being cleared for construction to begin. More than 1,000 construction workers are expected to be onsite at the peak of construction, according to Meta.
The facility is expected to go online at the end of 2026, according to Governor Ivey.
“Each day, millions of people around the world use Meta’s products, and the next-generation Alabama data center in Montgomery will soon help keep the company’s popular platforms running smoothly,” said Governor Ivey.
“Meta is putting down roots in another great location in Sweet Home Alabama, and we’re committed to helping the company grow and prosper here.”
💥NEWS FLASH: Tech giant Meta plans to build an AI-optimized data center in Montgomery
☑️$800M 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 officials and state and local leaders at the Montgomery Whitewater facility for a ceremony today to unveil Meta’s new Alabama investment plans.
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Menlo Park, California-based Meta operates Facebook, Instagram, Threads and WhatsApp, among other products and services. Meta data centers are a key part of the global infrastructure that bring these technologies and services to life.
The Montgomery data center, reflecting Meta’s latest design, will become its 24th data hub and the 20th in the United States. Once operational, the facility will be LEED Gold certified by the U.S. Green Building Council. It will be supported by 100% renewable energy and reach net zero emissions, according to Governor Ivey’s office.
“We are thrilled to announce our newest data center will be located in Montgomery. The city — and our specific location — offers great access to infrastructure and renewable energy, a strong pull of talent and most importantly, an amazing set of community partners,” said Brad Davis, director of community and economic development at Meta. “We look forward to having a strong partnership for years to come.”
RELATED: Huntsville to reap infrastructure, education system benefits from $750M Facebook data center expansion (2022)
“Meta is a globally recognized brand and having this world-class technology company launch another investment project in Alabama clearly demonstrates the state’s attractiveness to the high-tech sector around the world,” said Ellen McNair, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce.
“We look forward to building on the close relationship we’ve developed with Meta to set the stage for even more growth in our state.”
Meta also supported Huntsville area schools and educational organizations with over 85 grants and sponsorships exceeding $4.2 million since 2019.
Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270
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