Meta picks Northwest Ohio for newest $800 million AI-optimized Data Center
Meta has selected Northwest Ohio for its newest AI-optimized data center, an $800 million project announced today by the Regional Growth Partnership (RGP) and JobsOhio.
The project marks Meta’s second data center in Ohio and its 28th globally, reinforcing the company’s long-term strategy to scale its infrastructure and support the next wave of AI and cloud-based services.
Once finished, the facility will represent an investment of over $800 million in Ohio and support around 100 permanent jobs. During peak construction, Meta expects more than 1,000 workers to be on-site.
The announcement was made today with state and local leaders at Bowling Green State University.
Why it matters
The new facility reinforces Ohio’s emergence as a major hub for cloud and AI-driven technology infrastructure. The state continues to attract major technology infrastructure projects, cementing its status as a Midwest data center hub. Meta’s new facility also represents a milestone in Northwest Ohio’s economic development and tech sector growth.
The details
Since 2011, Ohio has quadrupled its number of operational data centers—now totaling more than 1,500. These facilities bring sustained job creation, tax revenue, and economic momentum across the state. In Northwest Ohio alone, the energy sector invested nearly $3 billion last year, helping to attract large-scale, high-tech developments like Meta’s.
Meta selected the 280-acre site in part due to:
Infrastructure readiness: Access to robust utilities and fiber connectivity.
Clean energy capabilities: The center will be matched with 100% renewable energy.
Community collaboration: Strong partnerships with local leaders and institutions.
Meta plans to invest in local schools, nonprofits, and infrastructure projects, as it has in other regions where it operates data centers.
Construction is already underway and will continue over the next several years. Meta plans to post job openings for the new facility soon at metacareers.com.
What they’re saying
“Northwest Ohio’s talent pipeline and strategic location will create an environment where Meta, and the other technology companies they attract, can thrive while bringing new opportunities for our regional workforce and their families," stated Ohio Governor Mike DeWine.
"We selected Middleton Township for a number of reasons, including great access to infrastructure and renewable energy, a strong pool of talent, and a wonderful set of community partners that have helped us move this project forward,” said Brad Davis, director of data center community and economic development at Meta.
“As a worldwide AI leader, Meta’s investment will bring partnerships with local schools, 100 permanent jobs, and additional support jobs necessary to keep the facility running day-to-day," JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef added.