There is more than 6,150,000 square feet of data center space built or slated to be built in Greater Des Moines (DSM)bringing hundreds of tech and construction jobs to the region.
DSM is a hive of building activity with an average of 800 construction workers on site at Facebook’s Altoona data centers. To date, Facebook has constructed 1.5 million square feet of data center space and has 1 million square feet under construction. The total spend is expected to be around $1.5 billion.
The data center boom in DSM means high paying tech jobs in the region.
According to a recent study on the economic impact by Facebook, for every one Facebook data center job, there are five jobs supported in the economy. Facebook currently has more than 300 employees in DSM and more than 20 positions open due to their continued growth.
Microsoft’s data center buildings currently total a little under 1.5 million square feet with 1.7 million square feet planned for its third campus in West Des Moines.
LightEdge Solutions has two data centers totaling 78,000 square feet in Altoona and employs more than 100 people.
“DSM has built a reputation as a tech hub offering affordable renewable energy and high skilled talent,” said Jay Byers, Greater Des Moines Partnership CEO. “Data center activity means jobs for hundreds of tech and construction workers, revenue for local cities and increased national and international exposure for our region.”
In 2017, Apple announced 400,000 square feet of data center space will be a built in Waukee. Construction will begin this summer.
About the Greater Des Moines Partnership
The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the economic and community development organization that serves Greater Des Moines (DSM), Iowa. Together with 23 Affiliate Chambers of Commerce, more than 6,100 Regional Business Members and more than 330 Investors, The Partnership drives economic growth with one voice, one mission and as one region. Through innovation, strategic planning and global collaboration, The Partnership grows opportunity, helps create jobs and promotes DSM as the best place to build a business, a career and a future. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com.
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