Microsoft expanding Mecklenburg data center

Published January 30, 2013 by Jessica Sabbath

Microsoft Corp. is expanding its data center in Mecklenburg County, creating 30 new jobs.

Microsoft will build two facilities on the campus to increase capacity for its growing customer base.

The company built the facility in 2010 and expanded the site in 2011. Microsoft is offsetting the gross carbon emissions from this data center by purchasing the equivalent amount of renewable energy credits.

“We appreciate the strong working relationship with the State of Virginia and the County of Mecklenburg,” said Christian Belady, general manager of Microsoft Data Center Services. “This expansion will allow us to meet the growing demand from consumers and businesses for our cloud services in the region in an increasingly efficient manner. These facilities showcase state-of-the-art designs developed from our latest technology and infrastructure research that continues to minimize water, energy use, and building costs, while increasing computing capacity, software capabilities, and server utilization.”

Gov. Bob McDonnell approved a $200,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to help Mecklenburg County with the project. The Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission approved $2 million in Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds for the project.