Meta, formerly the Facebook company, announced on March 31 that it will invest $800 million in the creation of a new hyperscale data center in Temple, Texas.
The new facility, which will total approximately 900,000 square feet when completed, will be located on 393 acres off NW H K Dodgen Loop and Industrial Blvd., and will support approximately 100 operational jobs in the community. The project is expected to employ 1,250 construction workers onsite during peak construction, which will begin in Spring 2022.
Adrian Cannady, president and CEO of Temple Economic Development Corporation, commented:
"We are thrilled to announce Meta's decision to open a facility in Temple. Texas was recently named the top state in the nation for tech worker migration. When you combine that with Temple's low cost of doing business and central location between major markets, it creates an incredible competitive advantage for our region.
The hyperscale data center will have a positive impact on our community not only by creating jobs, but because of Meta's commitment to invest in local schools, nonprofits and community projects."
Meta notes it builds and operates some of the world's most sustainable data centers, which are supported by 100% renewable energy. The company contends its data centers use 32% less energy, have achieved net zero carbon emissions, are LEED Gold level certified and are 80% more water-efficient on average than industry standard, with a goal to restore more water than they consume by 2030.
In Texas, Meta has invested in more than 700 MW of new wind and solar energy. The company adds new renewable energy to each data center's local grid.
"Temple is the home of our newest data center, and we are excited to join the community," said Darcy Nothnagle, director of community and economic development at Meta. "We've been welcomed by a strong set of local partners who are committed to the long-term success of the region. This is just the beginning of a strong partnership, and we look forward to working with you to invest in this great community."
As stated by Meta, "In Temple, businesses have access to a prime location between Dallas and Austin and 28 million people within two-and-a-half hours. From logistics and life sciences to the technology and services that support these sectors, Temple is home to a thriving industry base [...] Temple is also a regional employment hub on the rise with 450,000 residents. Expanding career opportunities, diversified industries and a low cost of living are attracting the next generation of skilled workers. Savvy college grads, highly trained military veterans and technical expertise are powering business in Temple."
"The City of Temple is known in the region for its business-friendly environment. Meta's decision to establish a presence here in Temple is a significant win for our community and proof that our process works," said the Mayor of Temple, Tim Davis, "We are excited for the opportunities this project will create for our residents and look forward to being a part of Meta's continued growth."
As reported by CI&M's affiliate in Endeavor Business Media, Data Center Frontier, as of November 2021, Facebook had 47 data centers under construction. The recent news comes on the heels of Meta's announcement of a separate $800 million data center build in Kansas City, MO.