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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Microsoft Plans $112 Million Data Center Near Cheyenne, Wyoming

04/11/2012
Microsoft will build a $112 million data center near Cheyenne, Wyoming to serve the mountain west region. The firm estimates their center will create about 40 high-paying, technology jobs, with median wages that are 150% above the county's average wage.

"I believe Wyoming is positioned to be a leader in the technology sector and data centers will be a catalyst for growth," Governor Mead said. "Wyoming is a perfect fit for data centers. We have abundant, affordable energy. Our naturally cool climate decreases costs for data centers and we have redundant fiber optics. Microsoft's decision recognizes that Wyoming is a hand and glove fit as a leading site for data centers and technology-related companies

"Microsoft is excited to once again expand its cloud infrastructure and services capacities for our customers in Wyoming and the region," said Christian Belady, general manager of Data Center Services in Microsoft's Global Foundation Services' group. "We greatly appreciate the work that the Governor, the economic development team, and local officials in Cheyenne and Laramie County have done to make Wyoming a smart place for Microsoft to do business. This new data center will enable the best possible delivery of services to our current and future customers."

Governor Matt Mead thanked staff from Cheyenne LEADS and the Wyoming Business Council who worked with Microsoft and its location scouts. "This is a competitive process and Wyoming must continue to ensure it is positioned to attract more data centers and technology companies. Our people, including those at the Business Council and LEADS, are an asset in Wyoming's efforts," he said.

Teamwork and $10 million in economic incentives persuaded the firm the set up its cloud base in Wyoming. The Governor's fund designed to recruit data centers donated as much as $5 million to fund infrastructure improvements, with the Wyoming Business Council matching the gift, according to a state spokesman.

"We thank Microsoft for its decision to locate this important facility in Wyoming. We are confident they will see the benefits of this decision for years to come," said Bob Jensen, CEO of the Wyoming Business Council. "We appreciate the support of the communities and their local economic development officials from across the state that helped during this process, including the great work of Cheyenne LEADS, the Legislature and the Governor. This is a shining example of how economic development teamwork benefits our state."

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