Apr. 18, 2023 11:30p
(WGTD)---A top official of Microsoft appeared before the Racine County Board Tuesday night just before supervisors signed off on a deal to bring a $1 billion data center to Mt. Pleasant.
Paul Englis is the company’s Global Community Research and Engagement Director. He pledged jobs, community support and transparency. "As we move forward, our commitment is to keep the community informed," he said. "We understand that trust is built through transparency."
Englis’ appearance was in sharp contrast to Foxconn’s much more guarded approach as it sought approvals and incentives to create a campus in Mt. Pleasant eight years ago. Many of those promises never materialized, and now the agreement which was approved Tuesday night allows Microsoft to build on a 300-acre parcel once set aside for Foxconn. The Taiwanese company previously approved the deal.
The data center is expected to employee over 300 people spread across several buildings.
Microsoft has a history of strong community involvement. Gateway President Rita Raju told the board last night that Microsoft has already reached out to Gateway. "Microsoft has already expressed the need to grow our computer science and information technology programs both at the secondary and post-secondary levels as we grow digital skils competency for adults in order to strengthen our regional tech jobs piece," she said.
Microsoft has over 200 data centers around the world.
Construction of a data center in Mt. Pleasant is expected to spur additional development.
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