LOUISIANA ENTERS THE AMAZON CLOUD
Northern Louisiana received a $12 billion investment influx last week, as Amazon announced two new planned data center campuses. Caddo and Bossier Parishes were selected for the incoming digital infrastructure, acting as interconnected campuses to support continuous service and reliable operations between the two. STACK Infrastructure will be responsible for the construction and development of the data centers, creating 1,500 related jobs. “We’re creating hundreds of high-paying jobs and making substantial investments in local infrastructure,” said Amazon Chief Global Affairs and Legal Officer David Zapolsky. “We’re grateful for our strong partnerships with local leaders and proud to deepen our commitment to Louisiana.” Construction is expected to begin this year, marking Amazon’s first data center investment in the state. Amazon will invest $400 million to support public water infrastructure to support these campuses and increase resiliency. Due to the region’s climate, water will be used less than 13% of the year to cool the data centers as the facilities will pull air directly from outside for cooling.
Photo courtesy of Hyundai Motor Group
HYUNDAI RESHAPES KOREA’S INDUSTRIAL FUTURE
Last week, Hyundai Motor Group signed a new Memorandum of Understanding with the South Korean government and the state of Jeonbuk as the company moves to establish a robotics, AI and energy solutions innovation hub. Hyundai plans to construct the $6.2 billion hub in the Saemangeum area of Gunsan city, selected due to the region’s renewable energy resources and transportation infrastructure. The majority of the investment supports AI data center infrastructure, which will aid in processing vast data sets for autonomous driving and robotics. That will be followed by solar power infrastructure for energy-intensive operations and a Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Electrolyzer Plant for large-scale clean hydrogen production. The remainder of the project investment will head toward a Robotics Manufacturing Cluster and an AI Hydrogen Smart City Development. The company expects to break ground in 2027 with a majority of the hub anticipated to launch operations during 2029. “What we’re building in Saemangeum will reshape not just a region, but Korea’s industrial future,” said Hyundai Motor Group Vice Chair Jaehoon Chang. “Hyundai Motor Group brings together the manufacturing excellence, AI capabilities and hydrogen energy expertise needed to establish a truly advanced industrial ecosystem.”
Photo courtesy of Avio USA
WORLD OF HURT
A subsidiary of Italy-based aerospace company Avio S.p.A, Avio USA, has announced its new solid rocket motors manufacturing plant will be located in Hurt, Virginia. The company selected the Southern Virginia Multimodal Park located in Pittsylvania County for the $500 million investment, whose activity aims to directly support defense, tactile propulsion, missile systems and commercial space sectors. The 860,000-sq.-ft. solid rocket motor manufacturing facility is expected to create over 1,000 direct jobs once operational. “I am confident that we have made the right choice with our selection of the Commonwealth and Pittsylvania County for our factory location given the complete local, regional, and state support we’ve received, including a business-friendly climate, a best-in-class Virginia Talent Accelerator offering, and competitive custom investment incentives,” said Avio USA CEO James Syring. Avio USA is awaiting approval on a special appropriation of up to $97.7 million from the state’s Major Employment and Investment Project Commission.
Reports compiled and written by Alexis Elmore
