DATA MAKES A SPASH IN CEDAR RAPIDS
Digital infrastructure developer QTS has been confirmed to bring a new $750 million data center campus to Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The project is the largest economic development investment in the city’s history and is projected to contribute $18 million to the region over the next 20 years. The project will be built out over two phases on 612 acres at the Big Cedar Industrial Center, leaving the company with space to introduce future phases if needed. “Our focus on meaningful partnerships, innovation, and leveraging local talent and infrastructure continues to position Cedar Rapids as a destination for global leaders like QTS,” said Cedar Rapids City Manager Jeff Pomeranz. “This data center campus strengthens our position as a center for emerging technology, demonstrating the value of our ongoing efforts to build out diverse industry clusters and ensure Cedar Rapids remains innovative, sustainable and future-ready.” The site is the same location Google chose to construct a $576 million data center development. Once operational, QTS’ investment will create a total of 30 direct jobs.
Photo courtesy of Texas Office of the Governor
JETI SUPPORTS STEEL
Last week, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced Vinton Steel’s plans for a $229 million expansion in El Paso County. Under the state’s Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology and Innovation (JETI) Program, Vinton Steel will construct a new facility on its 63-year-old site. The Japan-based Kyoei Steel LTD subsidiary will grow its advanced steel manufacturing facility, which recycles ferrous scrap into steel products, creating more than 180 new jobs at the site. Project details include replacing the facility’s two electric arc furnaces by introducing a new state-of-the-art furnace, and increasing production capacity from 240,000 tons to over 300,000 tons by 2027. “We are excited to announce this transformative upgrade at Vinton Steel, which has been a cornerstone of our community since 1962,” said Vinton Steel Chairman and Kyoei Steel America President Masahiro Kitada. “With the support of our parent company, Kyoei Steel Group, we are not just expanding our capacity but are also leading the charge towards sustainability with our state-of-the art new green steel-making process. This is a testament to our dedication to both economic and environmental stewardship in the Borderplex region.” The expansion is supported by a $1.5 million Texas Enterprise Fund grant and received a $12,000 veteran created jobs bonus.
Photo courtesy of BAE Systems
AVIATION SOLUTIONS CHARGE FORWARD
Aerospace technology company BAE Systems will add an additional 150,000 sq. ft. to its Endicott, New York, operations. The new $65 million facility will focus on high-voltage energy storage systems development and manufacturing. “We are building the future of power and energy management in the Greater Binghamton area,” said BAE Systems Vice President and General Manager of Controls and Avionics Solutions Ehtisham Siddiqui. “This expansion deepens our commitment to the region, while positioning us at the forefront of rising demand for aircraft electrification technology. By investing in local talent and advanced manufacturing, we are preparing to meet evolving customer needs and enabling the future of flight.” Construction will take place over the next few years, introducing pilot lines for new product development maturation, fully automated manufacturing capabilities, a new engineering lab for battery cells and energy storage systems testing, office space and aftermarket support space. The project will create over 130 new jobs in the region.
Reports compiled and written by Alexis Elmore
