Area Development
Facebook will invest $750 million in a new data center in Stanton Springs, Georgia. The companys plans to create at least 100 full-time jobs over the next five years

The Newton Data Center will be part of the highly advanced infrastructure that helps Facebook provide apps and services to more than 2 billion people around the world, Governor Nathan Deal’s Office said. The new facility will be Facebook’s ninth data center in the United States.

Facebook will construct two buildings to occupy 970,000 square feet. The buildings will be fully operational in 2020.

“As a company, Facebook is committed to creating positive impact at the local level, that means hiring, partnering and investing locally,” said Rachel Peterson, Vice President of Data Center Strategy at Facebook. “We are thrilled to be making Georgia our new home and look forward to a long and strong partnership with the state, Newton County, and our new community.”

The Newton Data Center will be powered by 100 percent clean and renewable energy, and cooled using outdoor air instead of energy-intensive air conditioners. The facility will also house Facebook’s hyper-efficient hardware, which powers apps and other services.

“Georgia’s business-friendly climate and world-class technological infrastructure continue to attract innovative companies like Facebook,” said Governor Nathan Deal. “It is fitting that the No. 1 company in the world in terms of active users has chosen the No. 1 state for business for this project. We appreciate Facebook’s leadership for recognizing Georgia as a state that serves not only as a major hub for general business, but also as a place where tech firms can be successful in the future. This project represents a significant investment and will create meaningful opportunities for the surrounding community. We welcome Facebook to Georgia and look forward to the growth of this partnership.”

“We couldn’t be happier to have such an outstanding company like Facebook as one of our community corporate partners,” said Shane Short, Executive Director of the Development Authority of Walton County. “This is just the beginning of a long-term partnership that will continue to grow stronger. We value our partnership with the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Commissioner Pat Wilson, and his professional team, especially EJane Caraway. We are appreciative that they helped us with this project.”

“I am excited for Facebook and their new data center to join an industry ecosystem here that is known for being a hub of technological innovation,” said Metro Atlanta Chamber President & CEO Hala Moddelmog. “Facebook will be able to take advantage of our skilled engineering workforce and leading telecommunications infrastructure.”

“When a world leader in technology such as Facebook chooses to locate an essential part of its operations in Georgia, it solidifies what we already know: that we are a prime and safe location for data centers and information technology,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “We look forward to welcoming Facebook as a corporate citizen, and are excited about the impact they will have in Newton County. Congratulations to all partners who helped bring this project to fruition.”