Meta to open $800M data center in Montgomery

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Sunset over downtown Montgomery Alabama.” by drjoshuawhitman is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Social media and tech company Meta is officially coming to Montgomery.

The company along with city and state leaders held a press conference Thursday morning to announce a new data center that will be built in the city. It will be the company’s second data center in the state, joining the one already in Huntsville.

Here are some of the quick facts you should know:

  • 715,000 sq. ft. center located off I-65 across from Hyundai plant
  • $800 million investment
  • Around 100 new jobs at the data center
  • Close to 1,000 construction jobs

Once operational, the data center is expected to run off 100 percent renewable energy. The data center is expected to go online at the end of 2026.

Keep reading to find out more from Thursday’s press conference + what Meta is.

Leaders react to new data center

Gki Announces Montgomery Meta Data Center
Gov. Kay Ivey at the announcement for the new Meta data center in Montgomery. (Office of the Governor)

Leaders joined together at the Montgomery Whitewater facility to unveil the plans of the investment. Gov. Kay Ivey had the official honor of making the announcement, leading to an applause from those in attendance.

“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. 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.”

~ Gov. Kay Ivey

Other people who spoke included:

  • Brad Davis, Meta director of community and economic development
  • Ellen McNair, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce
  • Doug Singleton, Montgomery County Commissioner
  • Caryn Hughes, chair of the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce
  • Steven Reed, Mayor of Montgomery

“I think this marks a shift in Montgomery. It puts us now in the center of the conversation for knowledge based economy jobs… Montgomery gets the project, the city and the county, but the region will benefit. Central Alabama will be rewarded. The state will see the positive dividends.”

~ Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed

What is Meta?

Meta Platforms Inc. is formerly known as Facebook Inc. but now encompasses much more than its original social media page. Meta currently has 23 worldwide data centers to accommodate its company’s large network that includes:

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Threads
  • WhatsApp

What do you think about Meta moving into Montgomery? Let us know by tagging the Bama Buzz on InstagramFacebook or LinkedIn!

Caleb Turrentine
Caleb Turrentine
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