Montgomery, AL – Alabama’s capital city is set to become home to a cutting-edge data center as Governor Kay Ivey announced Meta Platforms’ plans to invest $800 million in a new facility. The state-of-the-art data center, which will support 100 operational jobs, represents Meta’s continued commitment to Alabama, building on its previous investments in the state.
The 715,000-square-foot, AI-optimized data center will be situated off Interstate 65 in Montgomery, strategically located across from the Hyundai automotive assembly plant. This new facility will complement Meta’s existing data center campus in Huntsville, which represents an investment commitment of $1.5 billion.
Governor Ivey expressed enthusiasm about Meta’s decision to expand its presence in Alabama, emphasizing the significance of the investment for the state’s economic growth. She joined Meta officials and state and local leaders at the Montgomery Whitewater facility for a ceremony to unveil the company’s ambitious investment plans.
Meta Platforms, headquartered in Menlo Park, California, operates several prominent platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and WhatsApp. The company’s data centers play a vital role in supporting these platforms and services globally.
Brad Davis, Meta’s Director of Community and Economic Development, highlighted Montgomery’s appeal as a location for the new data center, citing factors such as access to infrastructure, renewable energy, and a talented workforce. He expressed eagerness to establish a strong partnership with the local community.
Construction of the Montgomery data center site is already underway, with more than 1,000 workers expected to be involved at the peak of construction. The facility is scheduled to go online by the end of 2026 and will prioritize sustainability, aiming for LEED Gold certification and operating on 100% renewable energy.
Ellen McNair, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, praised Meta’s investment as a testament to the state’s attractiveness to the high-tech sector. She emphasized the importance of the close relationship between Alabama and Meta in fostering future growth opportunities.
Local officials in the Montgomery area welcomed Meta’s investment project, recognizing its potential to drive long-term economic prosperity. Mayor Steven L. Reed hailed the initiative as a milestone for Central Alabama’s transition to a knowledge-based economy.
Montgomery County Commissioner Doug Singleton echoed Mayor Reed’s sentiments, emphasizing the significance of Meta’s investment in the region’s economic development. He expressed gratitude for Meta’s commitment to Montgomery and its residents.
Caryn Hughes, Chair of the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce, underscored the collaborative efforts that led to the fruition of the Meta project. She emphasized the economic impact of the facility, which is expected to create over 100 new knowledge-based jobs in the region upon completion.
Meta, formerly known as Facebook, initially announced plans for its Huntsville data center in 2018. Since then, the company has expanded its footprint and workforce in the area, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and community engagement through various initiatives and investments.
