Amazon Announces $7.8 Billion Investment to Boost Data Center Operations in Ohio

Amazon Web Services (AWS), the cloud-computing segment of Amazon, is set to significantly expand its data center operations in Ohio through a massive new investment. The estimated $7.8 billion investment will be allocated towards the development of new data centers, including computer servers, data storage drives, networking equipment, and other essential technology infrastructure for cloud computing. The announcement was made in a press release from Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s office on Monday.

The investment is expected to be completed before the start of 2030 and follows Amazon’s previous investments of $6.3 billion in the state over the past seven years. With this latest commitment, Amazon’s total projected investment in Ohio will reach $14.1 billion, solidifying its presence in the Buckeye State.

The specific locations for the upcoming data centers have not yet been disclosed, as Amazon is currently considering numerous sites in central Ohio. Existing Amazon data center campuses are situated in Franklin and Licking counties, according to both the governor’s office and the company.

Ohio Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted expressed enthusiasm for the investment, stating, “This enormous capital investment further solidifies Ohio as the tech center of the Midwest and positions us for a bright future as cloud computing and artificial intelligence are more integrated into the economy and our everyday lives.”

The investment is expected to create 230 direct jobs in Ohio, along with approximately 1,000 support roles, as estimated by JobsOhio CEO JP Nauseef. In 2022, AWS already employed nearly 1,000 direct employees in Ohio, contributing to the state’s growing technology sector.

During Amazon’s first-quarter earnings call in April, CFO Brian Olsavsky highlighted the company’s ongoing investment in infrastructure to support AWS customer needs, including large language models and generative AI. Despite economic challenges, AWS customers continue to optimize their cloud spending, driving the need for increased infrastructure.

The investment from AWS further cements Ohio’s position as a technology hub in the Midwest, fostering economic growth and providing new job opportunities in the state. As cloud computing and artificial intelligence continue to shape various industries, Amazon’s expanded data center operations are poised to play a significant role in advancing technological innovation in Ohio and beyond.