Major Boost to State’s Tech Infrastructure
Microsoft has announced plans to expand its investment in Wisconsin, bringing its total spending in the state to over $7 billion with the construction of a second massive artificial intelligence data center. This new facility will join the previously announced $3.3 billion data center in Mount Pleasant, located in southeastern Wisconsin.
Job Creation and Economic Impact
The first Mount Pleasant data center is scheduled to open next year and is expected to create about 500 jobs at its peak. Once the second data center is complete, the number of employees is anticipated to grow to approximately 800.
A Site with Presidential Attention
The Racine County site, nestled between Milwaukee and Chicago, has drawn the interest of major political figures in recent years. Originally, the area was set to host a $10 billion factory by electronics manufacturer Foxconn, but those plans were significantly reduced. Microsoft's commitment has been recognized by both current and former U.S. presidents, underlining its importance to the region’s future.
World’s Most Powerful AI Supercomputer Planned
Microsoft has revealed that the expanded site will eventually host the world's most advanced AI supercomputer, integrating hundreds of thousands of Nvidia chips. This facility is expected to support breakthrough advancements, including training sophisticated models for
ChatGPT and other leading AI tools, fueling innovation across medicine, science, and critical research fields.
Environmentally Responsible Innovation
Microsoft is also making efforts to minimize its environmental footprint. The company will pre-pay for electrical infrastructure upgrades to avoid raising electricity rates locally. Additionally, a state-of-the-art cooling system will leverage Wisconsin’s cool climate, reducing annual water usage to that of an average restaurant.
Statements from Microsoft Leadership
Brad Smith, Microsoft President, emphasized the significance of the investment, stating: “This is where the next generation of AI will be trained, setting the stage for breakthroughs that will shape the future. New discoveries in medicine, science, and other critical fields will start right here, with the models we train in Wisconsin.”
