GALLATIN, Tenn. (WTVF) — Facebook is building an $800 million data center in Gallatin, which will bring 100 well-paying jobs to the area.
Tennessee economic officials said the state-of-the-art, 982,000-square-foot facility will offer a variety of positions and job types – including technical operations, electricians, logistics staff, and security.
Construction on the new building has already gotten underway. Some 1,100 construction workers will be on site at the project’s peak.
“Our community made the decision three years ago to pursue technology jobs as part of our economic development strategy. We are pleased to welcome Facebook to Gallatin, and we look forward to the positive impact they will have on our city,” said Gallatin Mayor Paige Brown.
Facebook says the data center will be among the most advanced, energy and water efficient facilities in the world. According to a release, it will be supported by 100% renewable energy, will use 80% less water than the average and once completed, will be LEED Gold certified.
Facebook has partnered with the TVA to bring 220 MW of new solar energy to the Tennessee Valley to support the company’s operations in the region.
Rachel Peterson, the Vice President of Data Center strategy said the facility is especially important right now since everything is going virtual during the pandemic. “On the personal level it’s the the thing that’s really connecting people to each other, and all work is to have this time where we can be together even though we’re not physically together.”
They're looking for local hires according to Mayor Brown. “They’re the things that they’re teaching the kids in school, we have Volunteer Community State here in Gallatin, and they’ve been training their students to be able to fill jobs just like these," Brown said, “We’re very excited about the capital investment, but we’re also very excited about the brand association because we think that Facebook will help us attract other good investments to our community, and other good jobs.”
Construction will still be in progress in 2023, but some of the jobs will be posted online in just a couple weeks.
Facebook also announced a contract in Madison County for a renewable energy project to support operations.
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