Amazon to invest $10B in NC for data centers and AI campus

    0
    0

    HAMLET, N.C. — In a significant move to bolster its cloud computing and artificial intelligence capabilities, Amazon has unveiled plans to inject $10 billion into establishing a campus in North Carolina. This strategic investment is poised to rejuvenate an area formerly dominated by textile and apparel industries that have long since declined.

    Amazon’s announcement on Wednesday highlighted that its venture in the less populated Richmond County will generate a minimum of 500 jobs and further sustain thousands more through construction efforts and supply chains for data centers. Governor Josh Stein emphasized the monumental nature of this endeavor, labeling it as one of the most substantial investments in the state’s history.

    With North Carolina already hosting data centers from tech giants like Apple, this new initiative stands to significantly reshape Richmond County, nestled on the state’s border with South Carolina and home to around 42,000 residents.

    The proposed site will see Amazon hiring a range of professionals, including engineers and specialists in network and security. Moreover, the company plans to collaborate with universities, community colleges, and other educational entities to foster training programs, facilitating entry into roles related to data center and broadband expansion.

    David Zapolsky, Amazon’s global affairs and legal officer, remarked, “This investment will position North Carolina as a hub for cutting-edge technology, create hundreds of high-skilled jobs, and drive significant economic growth.” Zapolsky also welcomed partnerships with state leaders, local suppliers, and educational institutions to nurture upcoming talent.

    On Tuesday, Richmond County commissioners gave their nod to an incentives package for Amazon that entails potential annual cash grants stretching over two decades. These grants, dependent on job creation and meeting investment criteria, involve portions of real estate and property taxes on vehicles and equipment used at the data centers, as reported by The Richmond Observer.

    County Manager Bryan Land expressed enthusiastic optimism, stating, “This project will truly transform our community in ways that we cannot imagine.” Land also pointed out that the development will lead to significant upgrades to the county’s water system, Rockingham’s wastewater facilities, and fiber optic infrastructure, with no direct cost to taxpayers.

    Governor Stein’s office, which referred to the data centers as part of an “innovation campus,” indicated they will house an array of technology such as servers, storage drives, and networking gear.

    Governor Stein praised the project, acknowledging, “Artificial intelligence is changing the way we work and innovate, and I am pleased that North Carolina will stay at the forefront of all that’s ahead as we continue to attract top technology companies like Amazon.” The governor was present at a public announcement event held in Hamlet to discuss the investment.

    Since 2010, Amazon has significantly invested in North Carolina, totaling $12 billion and supporting 24,000 jobs across both full-time and part-time positions. This latest venture cements further commitment from the tech giant in advancing the state’s technological landscape.