Governor McDonnell Announces Microsoft Expansion in Mecklenburg County

RICHMOND - Governor Bob McDonnell today announced that Microsoft Corp. will invest $150 million to expand their generation data center (Gen4) site in Mecklenburg County. The company will build an additional facility and add 21 MW of electric power capacity to the site. The project will create 10 new jobs. Microsoft’s original project in 2010 involved an investment of up to $499 million and 50 new jobs.

Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McDonnell said, “In 2010 I announced Microsoft’s plans to establish its most advanced data center in Mecklenburg County, which represented the largest economic investment in Southern Virginia history. Just one year later, the company is making another significant investment to expand the operation site and add electric power capacity. Securing this state-of-the-art data center was an important win for the Commonwealth, and additional growth will further establish Virginia as an Information Technology leader.”

“As a crucial corporate partner to Southern Virginia, I congratulate Microsoft Corp. on this additional investment in its Mecklenburg County site,” said Jim Cheng, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “The company’s innovative data center design increases efficiency of operations, and this expansion will enhance the high-tech capabilities already in place as Microsoft continues to grow its operation.”

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

“Microsoft is excited to once again expand its cloud infrastructure and services capacities in Boydton,” said Dayne Sampson, corporate vice president, Microsoft’s Global Foundation Services group. “We greatly appreciate the work that Virginia’s Governor and local officials have done to make the Commonwealth a great place for Microsoft to continue to invest in to enable the best possible delivery of services to our current and future customers.”

“In 2010 when Microsoft announced its decision to locate in Mecklenburg County it did that for a good reason,” said Glenn Barbour, Chairman of the Mecklenburg County Board of Supervisors. “They saw in Mecklenburg County a progressive and business friendly environment. A County that was prepared to take its economic development into the future and provide a better economy for its citizens. Considering this economic climate the new announcement by Microsoft is astounding. We extend our well wishes for the future of Microsoft and appreciate its confidence in Mecklenburg County as a local government willing to provide for its needs now and in the future. Thanks to Wayne Carter, Angie Kellett and all the other staff of Mecklenburg County for their untiring efforts to expand our economy and grow our technology sector.”

"Today’s announcement that Microsoft will make another investment to expand their operation in Boydton is great news for Mecklenburg County and Southern Virginia,” said Congressman Robert Hurt. “Not only will this expansion bring much needed jobs and economic growth to the area, but it will also help ensure that Virginia remains at the forefront of the high-tech industry.”

“I believe that Microsoft has made this additional investment to the Mecklenburg site because they have found the region a good place to do business and the County and community have been good partners with which to work,” said Senator Frank M. Ruff, Jr. “We all look forward to a long lasting relationship that will serve the company and community well."

“I am pleased that Microsoft has seen fit to expand their current business operations in Mecklenburg County, including the new investment of $150 million in plant infrastructure and equipment and the 10 new jobs to this community,” said Delegate Tommy Wright.