Facebook officials announced on Wednesday that the global technology company will invest $800 million to build a new state-of-the-art data center in Gallatin.
Once operational, the project is estimated to support approximately 100 jobs and will have more than 1,100 construction workers on site at peak.
The data center will support a variety of positions and job types, from technical operations, electricians, logistics staff, security and more. Construction has just begun on the 982,000-square-foot facility.
The Facebook Gallatin Data Center will be among the most advanced, energy- and water- efficient data center facilities in the world. It will be supported by 100 percent renewable energy, will use 80 percent less water than the average, and, once completed, will be LEED Gold certified. Facebook has already partnered with the TVA to bring 220 MW of new solar energy to the Tennessee Valley to support Facebook’s operations in the region.
The announcement is the culmination of a three-year recruitment effort by the Gallatin Economic Development Agency, the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development and Tennessee Valley Authority.
Facebook will join several other large brand names located in the Gallatin Industrial Park, including Beretta USA, Gap and SERVPRO.
Since 2015, TNECD has supported 13 economic development projects in Sumner County, resulting in more than 2,000 job commitments and $223 million in capital investment.
Governor Bill Lee said, “It is a testament to the quality of our business environment and the competitive spirit of our state that in this economy we are able to attract one of the world’s largest companies to our state. We welcome Facebook to Tennessee, and we are excited about the investment, quality jobs and economic opportunity they will bring to Gallatin.”
TNECD Commissioner Bob Rolfe said, “Tennessee is known for the companies that call our state home, and we are proud to welcome another globally recognized brand to our roster. Facebook could have chosen anywhere in the world for its newest state-of-the-art data center, and it means a great deal that the company has chosen Gallatin. This substantial investment will make a lasting impact on Sumner County for years to come, and we thank Facebook for its confidence in Tennessee.”
Rachel Peterson, VP of Data Center Strategy, Facebook said, “We chose Gallatin because of its terrific infrastructure, talented workforce, and the spirit of partnership the community offered. This technology is actually what makes Facebook work, allowing people around the world to connect to each other. We are thrilled to be joining the Gallatin community.”
Gallatin Mayor Paige Brown said, “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.”
John Bradley, TVA Senior Vice President of Economic Development said, “TVA congratulates Facebook on its decision to locate and create quality job opportunities and significant investment in Gallatin. This public-private partnership demonstrates the strength of TVA’s public power model to deliver clean, renewable energy at competitive costs to stimulate investment and jobs that help communities grow. We are building the energy system of the future, and we are proud to work partners like Gallatin Department of Electricity, the City of Gallatin and Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development to help bring more top-tier companies like Facebook into our region.”
Senate Speaker Pro Tempore Ferrell Haile (R-Gallatin) said, "This is a huge investment by Facebook and is tremendous news for Sumner County. It is a testament not only to the strong talent pool we have in our local workforce, but to the hard work done for many months by Gallatin's Economic Development team, Governor Bill Lee, Commissioner Bob Rolfe, and other essential community partners to bring these high quality jobs home. I was proud to partner with them. It will also be a catalyst for more companies to see all that Sumner County and Gallatin have to offer with our low taxes, high quality of life, prime location and business friendly environment."
House Majority Leader William Lamberth (R-Portland) said, “This data center will be part of a network that connects people all over the world, and I’m proud to welcome Facebook to our community. Many factors drive business location decisions – availability of land, excellent schools, talent of the workforce, and quality of life – Sumner County offers all of these amenities and more. This is a big win for Tennessee and demonstrates our state’s commitment to advancing technologies and innovating discoveries.”
Rep. Terri Lynn Weaver (R-Lancaster) said, “Tennessee is a conservative, proud right-to-work state with a strong pro-business reputation. It comes as no surprise when companies from all over the world locate here to take advantage of our state’s low taxes, beautiful landscape, abundant resources and skilled workforce. I appreciate Facebook’s investment in our community.”