Microsoft Rolls Into the Hoosier State
The northern Indiana city of La Porte has been selected for Microsoft’s latest data center investment. The $1 billion facility will occupy 489 acres of the Radius Industrial Park and will create 200 new jobs by 2032. Construction of the 245,000-sq.-ft data center will begin once design, planning and permitting for the site are complete in late 2024. Microsoft’s project is supported by incentives from the city and the Northern Indiana Public Service company, in addition to a 35-year data center tax credit from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation.
Microsoft’s investment joins three data center projects announced in the state in 2024.
Photo: Getty Images
Chips and Rockets in the Land of Enchantment
In June 2024, the Biden-Harris Administration announced that New Mexico would be the recipient of a $23.9 million award through the CHIPS and Science Act to modernize the former SolAero manufacturing facility in Albuquerque. The Rocket Lab investment will expand the facility and increase semiconductor production by 50% by 2027. Specializing in manufacturing of radiation-resistant compound semiconductors called space-grade solar cells, this facility is vital to current and future U.S. space programs. Once the project is complete the facility will add an additional 100 jobs. Rocket Lab will open access to their equipment and expertise, in addition to sponsoring internship opportunities, to non-profit organization New Space New Mexico to drive innovation within the state.
Space-grade solar cells made here will be used to power spacecraft and satellites.
Photo courtesy of Rocket Lab USA
Prepared For Growth
Toyota’s largest engine manufacturing plant in North America is set for more growth. The Toyota Alabama site in Huntsville has operated for 21 years and this $282 million expansion brings Toyota’s total investment there to over $1.7 billion. Expansion work will add a number of new production lines at the plant catered toward drivetrain products, creating 350 new jobs. “The new lines will further increase the plant’s flexibility and reaffirm Toyota’s commitment to our team and community,” said Toyota Alabama President Jason Puckett.
In 2023, this location produced more than 770,000 engines.
Photo courtesy of Toyota Alabama
Energy Heads North
A combined $1.3 billion investment from utilities company AltaGas and infrastructure provider Royal Vopak will establish the 190-acre Ridley Island Energy Export Facility (REEF) in Prince Rupert, British Columbia. The joint venture aims to increase Canada’s role as a leading energy exporter for liquified petroleum gases (LPGs), methanol and other bulk liquids. A breakdown of the investment shows that $875 million goes toward construction of REEF and stationing LPG storage tanks, while $475 million will buildout a dedicated jetty and logistics infrastructure from the site. The main portion of this construction work begins over the next two years, expected to be complete by late 2026. “Prince Rupert, with the shortest shipping distances between North America and Asia, gives the opportunity to drive progress by increasing the trade between Canada and the Asia Pacific region,” said Royal Vopak Chairman and CEO Dick Richelle.
The JV aims to connect Canada to energy markets in Asia, primarily Japan.
Photo courtesy of AltaGas
A Valuable Micron Supplier Moves In
To support Micron Technology’s $15 billion semiconductor plant in Boise, Idaho, gas company Air Liquide now has plans to move into the region. A $250 million investment, announced last week, will go toward the construction of an industrial gas production facility in Boise. Gas distributed from this site will supply Micron’s operations with gases critical to the fabrication of semiconductors such as ultra-pure nitrogen used in processes such as etching, deposition and dipping. Air Liquide aims to help Micron increase productivity and ensure quality across its operations. The plant is expected to become operational in 2025, creating hundreds of new jobs.
Air Liquide strategically locates near Micron Technology’s new Boise site.
Photo courtesy of Micron Technology
Indiana Increase from Eli Lilly
In a move to further increase manufacturing capacity for its active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) used to treat chronic diseases, Eli Lilly has announced a $5.3 billion boost to its Lebanon, Indiana, facility investment. This brings a total of $9 billion invested in the state and marks the largest investment toward API manufacturing in the country. The company anticipates the new site, located in the LEAP Research and Innovation District, will aid in meeting the demand for treatments in both diabetes and obesity. Once construction is complete about 900 new direct jobs will be created.
The company plans to begin API production in 2026, while continuing to scale operations until 2028.
Photo courtesy of Eli Lilly and Company
