Company calls it the world’s most powerful super computer
Microsoft Corp. announced Tuesday that it has completed construction on its first datacenter facility in the Village of Mount Pleasant, marking a major milestone for the technology company’s expanding footprint in southeast Wisconsin.
The facility, known as the Fairwater datacenter, is now fully operational. Microsoft brought its equipment online and completed startup activities in April, ahead of the project’s original timeline.
“With our Fairwater datacenter now fully operational, Wisconsin is now home to the world’s most powerful supercomputer,” said Brad Smith, vice chair and president of Microsoft. “This campus will help power the next generation of AI innovation globally and provide long-term economic opportunity locally through hundreds of highly skilled jobs and continued investment in the region.”
The project was initially announced in May 2024. Over the course of the two-year build, nearly 10,000 construction workers contributed to the development. Microsoft currently has nearly 550 full-time employees on-site to support the first facility, and the company plans to continue hiring.
David DeGroot, village president of Mount Pleasant, said the completion marks a historic turning point for the local community and the broader region.
“This is a historic milestone for Mount Pleasant and all of Racine County as we become home to one of the most advanced technology campuses in the world,” DeGroot said. “Microsoft’s decision to invest here elevates our community into a destination for innovation and advancement. As this campus continues to grow, it will create lasting opportunities for residents, strengthen our regional economy and help position Wisconsin for long-term success.”
Microsoft estimates its total spend on hyperscale construction in Wisconsin will reach $4.7 billion between 2024 and 2028. The company has directly purchased goods and services from 29 businesses across 11 Wisconsin counties.
According to the company, these expenditures include construction suppliers in Racine County, contractors and steel fabricators in Outagamie and Marathon counties, electrical equipment manufacturers in Rock and Columbia counties, and machinery manufacturers in La Crosse County.
Labor leaders highlighted the technical experience the project provided to local tradespeople.
“I’m very proud of the work our members have done to build this facility,” said Michael Ervin, organizing director of Operating Engineers Local 139. “Since day one, they have helped build it safely, professionally and with pride in their craft. This isn’t an ordinary construction project – our members are getting the chance to work on some of the most advanced infrastructure, and those skills and experiences will stay with them throughout their careers.”
Even as the first facility opens, construction on a second Microsoft datacenter immediately adjacent to the first is already underway. Workers are currently focusing on foundation installation, steel erection, and underground utility placement.
The second facility is scheduled to be finished in 2028. Once operational, Microsoft expects its full-time workforce in the village to grow to approximately 800 employees, with a separate expansion to the north projected to bring hundreds more.
