Meta to Build $800 Million Next-Generation Data Center in Montgomery

On Thursday, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey (R) announced that technology company Meta Platforms plans to open an $800 million data center in Montgomery that will support 100 operational jobs and build on the company's previous investment in the state.

"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."

Meta's 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 representing a total investment commitment of $1.5 billion.

Governor Ivey made the announcement at the Montgomery Whitewater facility joined by Meta officials and state and local leaders for a ceremony to unveil Meta's new Alabama investment plans.

Meta is a social media company based in Menlo Park, California. Meta operates Facebook, Instagram, Threads and WhatsApp, among other products and services. Meta data centers are a key part of the global infrastructure that brings these technologies and services to life.

Economic developer Dr. Nicole Jones Wadsworth told the Alabama Gazette, "Data centers are one of the State of Alabama's foundational business targets, meaning they intrinsically provide core competencies for a variety of industries. The Montgomery-based Meta data center will create approximately 100 jobs in the River Region. Meta's 715,000 square foot building off I-65 will be LEED Gold certified, which indicates a high level of energy efficiency. The announcement of Meta's new data center in Montgomery reflects the company's recognition of the city's strategic location, skilled workforce, and potential for fostering innovation in the digital landscape."

The Montgomery data center, reflecting Meta's latest design, will become its 24th data hub and the 20th in the United States.

Brad Davis is the director of community and economic development at Meta.

"We are thrilled to announce our newest data center will be located in Montgomery," said Davis. "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. We look forward to having a strong partnership for years to come."

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.

Ellen McNair is the Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce.

"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 McNair. "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's decision to expand into Montgomery with a state-of-the-art data center showcases how our region is diversifying into a knowledge-based economy and highlights the competitiveness of Montgomery and our economic development team," said Montgomery Mayor Steven L. Reed. "This initiative marks a pivotal moment for Central Alabama and serves as a catalyst for our entire region's pursuit of knowledge-based employment opportunities."

"This project will have an enormous impact on Montgomery, and I am honored to welcome Meta to our community," said Montgomery County Commissioner Doug Singleton. "This project is truly a victory for Montgomery as we experience continued economic growth year after year. This investment of $840 million speaks volumes to the commitment that Meta is making to the people of Montgomery."

"The significance of this announcement being made at our Whitewater Park facility cannot be overstated," added Com. Singleton. "The Meta team was introduced to Montgomery Whitewater early in the recruitment process, and I am glad to see that they have chosen to come back again as this venue has become instrumental in attracting world-class businesses to our community."

Caryn Hughes is the chair of the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce.

"We value the significant impact such investments have on our capital citymillion upon completion and create over 100 new knowledge-," said Hughes. "This facility will signify an economic investment exceeding $800 based jobs for our region."

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