Microsoft announced a $3.3 billion commitment to build an artificial intelligence (AI) data center at a site near Milwaukee, Wisconsin, previously abandoned by another international company that planned to manufacture display screens on the site.
The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reported on the expansion of Microsoft site which initially included 315 acres of land previously owned by Foxconn International Holdings, who eventually abandoned its plans to open $10 billion LCD manufacturing plant announced during the Trump Administration.
Microsoft announced that the business venture will add 2,000 jobs to the time in Racine, Wisconsin, about 30 miles south of Milwaukee.
Microsoft’s commitment to the property started about a year ago with the initial purchase of 315 acres of land. In December 2023, Microsoft purchased another 1,030 acres for $176 million and has already started construction of the first of two planned data centers on the site.
The tech company’s investment in the state will also include training programs for more than 100,000 people on how to utilize AI. The co-innovation lab is one of only three in the country for Microsoft.
Dave Lubach is the executive editor for the facilities market.
