Gov. Kay Ivey revealed in a news release on Thursday, May 2, that technology company Meta Platforms intends to establish an $800 million data center in Alabama's capital.

The forthcoming 715,000-square-foot AI-optimized data center, promising to create 100 operational jobs and extending the firm's commitment to the state, will be near Interstate 65 in Montgomery, opposite the Hyundai automotive assembly plant. The facility will complement Meta's existing data center campus in Huntsville, which has already seen an investment of $1.5 billion.

“Each day, millions of people around the world use Meta’s products, and the next-generation Alabama data center in Montgomery will soon help keep the company’s popular platforms running smoothly,” Ivey said in the release. “Meta is putting down roots in another great location in Sweet Home Alabama, and we’re committed to helping the company grow and prosper here.”

Ivey, alongside Meta officials and state and local dignitaries, convened at the Montgomery Whitewater facility on May 2 for a ceremony to unveil Meta's new investment plans in Alabama.

Headquartered in Menlo Park, California, Meta oversees social media and communications platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Threads and WhatsApp. Meta's network of data centers serves as critical infrastructure supporting its suite of technologies and services.

The Montgomery data center, embodying Meta's latest design, will mark the company's 24th data hub globally and its 20th in the United States. Upon completion, it will be LEED Gold certified by the U.S. Green Building Council, operate on 100% renewable energy and achieve net zero emissions.

“We are thrilled to announce our newest data center will be located in Montgomery. The city — and our specific location — offers great access to infrastructure and renewable energy, a strong pull of talent and most importantly, an amazing set of community partners,” said Brad Davis, director of community and economic development at Meta. “We look forward to having a strong partnership for years to come.”

Construction preparation is already underway. Meta anticipates that over 1,000 construction workers will be onsite at the peak of construction. The facility is expected to begin online operations by the end of 2026.
Ellen McNair, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, hailed Meta's investment as a testament to the state's appeal to the global high-tech sector.

“Meta is a globally recognized brand, and having this world-class technology company launch another investment project in Alabama clearly demonstrates the state’s attractiveness to the high-tech sector around the world,” McNair said. “We look forward to building on the close relationship we’ve developed with Meta to set the stage for even more growth in our state.”

Originally known as Facebook, Meta announced its inaugural data center in Huntsville in 2018. The facility opened three years later, with subsequent expansions including additional buildings. These expansions have contributed to the growth of Meta's operational workforce, which now exceeds 300 jobs.

The company has allocated funds to support Huntsville area schools and educational institutions, offering over 85 grants and sponsorships totaling more than $4.2 million since 2019.