Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, the Ohio Department of Development, and JobsOhio have announced Amazon Web Services (AWS)’s plan to invest an additional $10 billion into expanding data center infrastructure across the state. This investment will create hundreds of well-paying jobs by the end of 2030 and reinforce Ohio’s position as a major technology hub in the United States.
The new data centers will be equipped with computer servers, data storage drives, networking equipment, and other technology used to power cloud computing services, including artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning capabilities. The announcement highlights AWS’s continued commitment to Ohio’s economy and its role in driving technological innovation and job creation.
A Historic Investment in Ohio
The new investment builds upon AWS’s significant contributions to Ohio’s economy over the past decade. In 2023, AWS committed $7.8 billion to expand its data centers, adding to the $6 billion already invested through 2022. With this new $10 billion announcement, AWS’s total planned investment in Ohio since 2015 exceeds $23 billion by the end of 2030. This level of investment marks the second-largest by a single private-sector company in Ohio’s history.
Governor DeWine emphasized the importance of this investment to the modern economy: “As reliance on digital services continues to grow, so does the importance of data centers; they are critical to today’s modern economy. AWS’s substantial investment in Ohio will help keep our state at the forefront of the global technology.”
Lt. Governor Husted echoed the sentiment, underscoring Ohio’s growing role in the tech sector. “These are significant investments from AWS that support Ohio’s growing reputation as the tech hub of the Midwest. Artificial Intelligence and data centers are crucial to America’s economic superiority because they drive innovation, support high-tech industries, enhance productivity across sectors, and enable the analysis and management of vast data essential for global competitiveness.”
Expanding Across Ohio
AWS’s data center expansion will extend beyond Central Ohio into additional communities. While specific locations are yet to be finalized, AWS will evaluate all potential sites, with the investment contingent on the execution of long-term energy service agreements. This expansion is expected to drive job growth in high-demand fields such as telecommunications, software development, facilities maintenance, and energy generation.
Since opening its first Ohio data center in 2016, AWS has made notable contributions to the state’s economy. Between 2015 and 2023, AWS estimates its investments totaled $10.3 billion, adding $3.8 billion to Ohio’s gross domestic product (GDP) and supporting thousands of jobs annually.
Building Innovation and Talent
Roger Wehner, vice president of economic development at AWS, reiterated the company’s long-term commitment to Ohio, saying: “Today, we reaffirm our long-term commitment to Ohio with plans to invest an additional $10 billion to expand our data center infrastructure in greater Ohio to drive innovation in AI for customers. Since 2015, AWS has invested more than $10.3 billion in the state and currently supports more than 4,760 jobs annually. This expanded investment is expected to create new, well-paying jobs, boost Ohio’s GDP, and further cement our partnership with the state. We are also proud to continue expanding the reach of workforce development and educational programs that equip Ohio’s next generation of tech talent through strong public and private partnerships.”
AWS’s focus on workforce development will play a significant role in training the next generation of technology professionals in Ohio. By partnering with public and private organizations, AWS aims to equip students and professionals with the skills necessary to succeed in tech-driven industries.
Collaborative Efforts Drive Growth
The expansion project reflects a coordinated effort among AWS, JobsOhio, and other economic development partners. JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef emphasized AWS’s pioneering role in Ohio’s technological growth: “Thanks to the growing number of data center leaders in our state, Ohio has emerged as one of the nation’s foremost technology centers, helping us attract business innovators that hadn’t previously considered locating here. AWS was the first major cloud provider in our state, and their success has helped pave the way for the explosive growth we’re seeing now.”
JobsOhio continues to collaborate with AWS to ensure the success of these investments, which are vital to Ohio’s economic growth and competitiveness.
Ohio as a Technology Powerhouse
AWS’s ongoing investment highlights Ohio’s emergence as a key player in the technology and cloud computing industries. By focusing on infrastructure development and workforce readiness, AWS’s data centers are set to transform Ohio’s economy, boost job creation, and position the state as a leader in innovation.
With the rise of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cloud services, Ohio’s growing infrastructure will play a pivotal role in supporting industries across the country and globally. This $10 billion expansion serves as a testament to Ohio’s robust business environment and commitment to fostering technological advancement.
As the locations for these data centers are finalized, Ohio communities can expect increased employment opportunities, economic growth, and a stronger foundation for the future. Governor DeWine and AWS’s partnership underscores the importance of continued investment in infrastructure, innovation, and workforce development to maintain Ohio’s competitive edge.
