Meta Goes Mega With KC Data Center

Meta Platforms, the company most everyone on the planet still knows as Facebook, announced today that it would spend $800 million to occupy nearly 1 million square feet of space in a Northland data-center complex. Company officials, along with state and local dignitaries, made the announcement this morning.

The site is expected to employ 100 people when it goes live next year.

Gov. Mike Parson was among those making the announcement. “We’re proud to welcome Meta to Kansas City, Missouri, for this historic, cutting-edge development that will positively impact our state’s economy for years to come,” he said. “The Show-Me State stands out as a rising technology hub due to our strategic location, skilled workforce, and business friendly climate. This unprecedented investment signals Missouri is open for business and that our state is a prime destination for high-tech leaders and innovators alike.”

The center will be housed in Kansas City’s Golden Plains Technology par, a massive, 5.5-million-square-foot data campus.

“Meta is excited to call Kansas City our new home. It stands out with so much to offer – good access to infrastructure and fiber, a strong pool of talent for both construction and operations, and more than anything, great community partners,” said Darcy Nothnagle, Meta’s director of community and economic development. Kansas City won out for its central location,  greater security, reduced risk of natural disasters, and competitive energy prices, officials said. Those factors have combined to make this region is the nation’s third fastest-growing technology market.

“Kansas City is the most connected region in the U.S. with more than 5.5 million miles of fiber deployed. This infrastructure, coupled with a dynamic and robust talent pool, provides Meta the resources it needs for long-term success in our market, said Tim Cowden, president and CEO of the Kansas City Area Development Council. “Meta’s selection of Kansas City, joining many other global tech brands in our region, puts a spotlight on our thriving tech industry. The region’s new state-of-the-art single terminal airport opening in March 2023 and our collaborative business community make Kansas City a top location of choice for other tech companies seeking growth.”

“We are incredibly excited to welcome Meta to Missouri,” said Maggie Kost, acting director for the Missouri Department of Economic Development “Meta’s decision shows Missouri is a strategic choice for technology companies to expand and grow. We’re grateful to Meta and all of the state and local partners that made this project possible.”

Posted Thursday, March 24, 2022