LOUSIANA HUTS NEW DATA CENTER CAMPUS
Digital infrastructure developer Hut 8 is heading to West Feliciana Parish in southeast Louisiana with plans to deliver an up to 1,000-megawatt (MW) data center campus over the next two years. The future River Bend campus has already moved into phase one of its construction, which is estimated to cost upwards of $10 billion alone. Software company Fluidstack is set to become a tenant at the site, a move financially backed by Google who will cover the lease and related pass-through obligations at the campus. Fluidstack’s 245 MW critical IT load will be supported by Entergy Louisiana who will provide an initial 330 MW of utility capacity. “This project was made possible by the leadership of state and local leaders, the commitment of Entergy, and the determination of the people of Louisiana,” said Hut 8 CEO Asher Genoot. “Together, we will build infrastructure that supports the world’s most advanced technological applications at scale while setting a standard for how utilities, governments, and innovators can drive lasting economic and technological progress.” Current activity at the site expected to create 1,000 new construction jobs during this phase, resulting in 75 new direct jobs once complete.
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EXANDED DRUG PIPELINE CALLS FOR SITE EXPANSION
Alnylam Pharmaceuticals has announced $250 million plans to expand production activity at its Norton, Massachusetts manufacturing facility. This move is expected to establish the industry’s first fully dedicated, proprietary, siRNA enzymatic-ligation manufacturing facility, according to the company’s press release. “At this pivotal time with our expanding pipeline of RNAi therapeutics, Alnylam is accelerating development of siRNA manufacturing and changing what’s possible in a single facility,” said Alnylam CEO Yvonne Greenstreet. “This advance will be a critical enabler in the scaling of our pipeline to include potential treatments for diseases such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and obesity.” This expansion will allow the company to locally produce a clinical and commercial supply of siRNA oligonucleotide drug substance by late 2027. Increased capacity at the site is expected to reduce Alnylam’s production costs while creating space to support a future pipeline of new medicines.
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CONSUMER CRAVINGS DRIVE FRESH INVESTMENT
As consumer products manufacturer Swisher International aims to expand its oral products reach, the company plans to grow its base in Jacksonville, Florida. A $135 million investment has been announced with a focus on the company’s Automated Pouch Operations, which produce nicotine and caffeine oral pouches. Growing demand for smokeless products led to the decision to expand Swisher’s 101-year-old site in Springfield, which will create up to 240 new jobs in the region. Project details include the construction of a new 120,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility at the Historic Springfield site, featuring advanced manufacturing equipment to support production needs. Swisher International anticipates the new facility will become operational by 2028. The Jacksonville City Council is supporting the expansion investment with a five year, 50% Recapture Enhanced Value Grant on ad valorem tax revenue for up to $3.5 million.
Reports compiled and written by Alexis Elmore
