COLUMBUS, Ohio — Amazon is expected to invest an estimated $7.8 billion in the state by the end of 2029 “to expand its data center operations in central Ohio.”
The Amazon Web Service (AWS) data center project -- which officials say would create hundreds of new jobs -- marks the second-largest private-sector company investment in Ohio’s history, according to Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s office. Numerous locations within central Ohio are currently under consideration for the new data center campuses. Final selections will be announced at a later date.
“The new data centers will contain computer servers, data storage drives, networking equipment and other forms of technology infrastructure used to power cloud computing,” according to a press release.
AWS launched its first data centers in the Midwest in 2016 and currently operates data center campuses in Franklin and Licking counties.
"To date, AWS's investments and operations have generated over $2 billion in economic benefit for Ohio, and supported more than 3,000 local secondary jobs on an average annual basis," according to a press release. "In 2022, AWS directly employed nearly 1,000 Ohioans across the state."
REACTION
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine:
"Amazon is already one of the largest private-sector employers in Ohio, and the company's continued growth here further cements Ohio as the heart of our nation's technology and innovation. As more of the world relies on cloud computing, this investment will build on Amazon's current infrastructure in Ohio to help new and existing businesses grow, allow residents to securely connect to friends and family, and provide access to online educational resources and entertainment."
Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted:
“This positions Ohio as a critical location for the most discussed technology in the world, artificial intelligence. This enormous capital investment further solidifies Ohio as the tech center of the Midwest and positions us for a bright future as cloud computing and artificial intelligence are more integrated into the economy and our everyday lives.”
Lydia Mihalik, Director of the Ohio Department of Development:
“Ohio has a strong future in the technology sector and the more we’re able to help companies that are already here expand their investments only strengthens the state’s position. AWS’s expanding presence in Ohio is a big win for workers looking for in-demand jobs, the construction industry, businesses who need the computer infrastructure to grow their operations, and consumers who rely on the Internet for so many things in their day-to-day lives.”
JP Nauseef, President and CEO of JobsOhio:
“AWS was the first-mover in Ohio among the major technology companies and their success has helped pave the way for the explosive growth we’re seeing now. Their newest investment creates 230 direct new jobs and an estimated 1,000 support jobs, and we look forward to building our partnership with AWS as Ohio continues to make its mark in this important sector."
