Meta's $800 Million Move To Aiken County
You use Meta. Or at the very least, you know someone who does. Meta, also known as Facebook, announced it is establishing the company’s first South Carolina operation with a new data center in Aiken County. The $800 million investment will support 100 new operational jobs, and the facility will focus on Meta's artificial intelligence endeavors.
Meta Platforms, Inc., originally founded as Facebook in 2004 by Mark Zuckerberg and his Harvard roommates, began as a social networking site for college students. The company grew fast, expanding across several platforms (Instagram, WhatsApp) and even into virtual reality systems. In October 2021, the company rebranded as Meta Platforms, Inc., reflecting a shift in focus towards building the "metaverse"—a digital ecosystem that integrates virtual and augmented reality.
Once operational, the 715,000-square-foot data center, located in the Sage Mill Industrial Park in Aiken County, will be optimized for Meta’s artificial intelligence (AI) workloads. The data center’s electricity use will be matched with 100% renewable energy, and Meta will work with local partners to add new renewables to the grid. The campus will also achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification once operational.
“We are excited to make Aiken County our new home and are committed to playing a positive role here and investing in the community’s long-term vitality. South Carolina stood out as an outstanding location for our newest data center thanks to its great access to infrastructure and energy, deep pool of talent, and amazing community partners. Our thanks go out to all who have helped get us here," said Meta Director of Data Center Strategy Kevin Janda.
The Aiken County data center will be Meta’s 22nd data center in the U.S. and 26th in the world. It is expected to be operational in spring 2027. Meta is committed to hiring locally and working with local partners to construct, operate, supply and maintain its data centers. Job opportunities will be available on the Meta careers page.
"Meta's decision to locate its newest operation in Aiken County is a major win for South Carolina's thriving technology industry. Meta's $800 million investment will significantly impact our economy, creating valuable jobs and further driving innovation. We look forward to building a strong partnership with Meta that will benefit our communities and enhance our state's reputation as a technological leader," said Gov. Henry McMaster.
Fast Facts:
- Meta selects Aiken County to establish the company’s first South Carolina data center.
- The $800 million investment will support 100 new operational jobs.
- Meta's data centers are part of the global infrastructure that brings the company’s technologies and services to life.
- The company will be located in the Sage Mill Industrial Park in Aiken County, S.C.
- Individuals interested in joining the Meta team should visit the company’s careers page.
- The company will be located in the Sage Mill Industrial Park in Aiken County, S.C.
SOURCE: SC Gov
