CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Governor Matt Mead joined Microsoft for its announcement that it will expand its data center operations in Wyoming. Microsoft’s first Wyoming data center west of Cheyenne, opened in late 2013. Microsoft will invest $274 million in the new data center, bringing the total investment in the area to nearly $500 million.
Microsoft will purchase additional land in Cheyenne and plans to begin construction of the expansion in late spring 2014. The first stage of the new data center is estimated to be operational in summer 2015.
“I have made growth of Wyoming’s technology sector a priority. Wyoming has so many comparative advantages for data centers. I have worked with the Legislature to position Wyoming as a competitive location for these high-valued projects,” Governor Mead said. “It is exciting to see these efforts produce results. I thank Microsoft for investing here and for the jobs and capital facilities it creates.”
Wyoming has affordable energy, redundant fiber optics and a naturally cool climate to decrease costs for data center operations. Microsoft’s decision to expand reinforces Wyoming as a fit for data centers and technology-related companies.
“Microsoft is excited to expand its datacenter operations in Cheyenne. This will ensure the best possible delivery of cloud infrastructure and services to our current and future customers in Wyoming and the surrounding region,” said Dayne Sampson, Corporate Vice President for Microsoft’s Global Foundation Services group. “We have a strong working relationship with the Governor’s Office, Cheyenne LEADS staff and local officials who help make Wyoming an optimal place for Microsoft to do business.”
“We are pleased to have Microsoft in our community. In a short time, Microsoft has already become a good community partner and we are excited the company views Wyoming as a good location for its business to thrive and expand,” states Randy Bruns the CEO of Cheyenne LEADS.