Company has teamed up with Hanley Engineering for project
Equinix acquired BT Ireland’s two Dublin data centres last year. Photo: Getty
Adaire Fox-Martin said the investment reflects Ireland’s ‘strategically important role’ in technology. Photo: Getty
US data centre giant Equinix will spend at least $350m (€297m) over the next five years to support the development of an advanced manufacturing facility in Dundalk, Co Louth, that will make specialised equipment for the sector.
Equinix said it could extend the commitment to a 10-year deal, in which up to $700m (€594m) would be invested in the facility, which will extend over 150,000 sq ft.
Equinix has teamed up with Hanley Energy, which was recently acquired by the American multinational manufacturing company Jabil, to build the facility.
The project is being formally unveiled today with Taoiseach Micheál Martin.
Hiring for the Hanley factory has already commenced for an initial 200 engineers and technicians, focused on precision engineering, quality assurance and lean manufacturing.
The project will also introduce apprenticeship and training programmes.
By co-locating production under one roof, Equinix said it expects to achieve 10pc to 15pc faster lead times compared to traditional procurement methods. The facility will manufacture low-voltage switchgear, power distribution units and remote power panels, which are critical components for reliable and efficient power distribution in data centres.
“This investment builds upon Equinix’s long-time presence in Ireland and reflects the strategically important role the country plays in the global technology ecosystem,” said Adaire Fox-Martin, chief executive and president of Equinix.
Adaire Fox-Martin said the investment reflects Ireland’s ‘strategically important role’ in technology. Photo: Getty
Equinix operates a number of data centres in Dublin, which provide digital capacity for a range of clients in IT, finance and content.
Last year, the company paid €59m to buy BT Ireland’s two Irish data centres, both of which are in Dublin.
The acquisition of Hanley Energy by Jabil was completed last month. Jabil paid an initial $725m (€615m) for the company, with additional contingent consideration of up to $58m (€49m).
Hanley Energy was founded in 2009 by Dennis Nordon and Clive Gilmore. Based in Co Meath, it also has operations in the US and employs more than 850 people. The company supports the design, development, supply, installation and commission of mission-critical power and energy management solutions.
Equinix generated revenue of $9.2bn (€7.8bn) last year on a reported basis, a 5pc annual increase. Its operating income was up 39pc to $1.8bn (€1.5bn) as it benefited from a strong underlying performance and lower impairment charges.
The company operates about 280 data centres around the world and has almost 11,000 customers.
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