Welcome to the third edition of Building the Future—and happy 2025!
We’re already two weeks into the year, but if there’s one thing we can say with certainty: this year is shaping up to be busier than ever.
I feel that I hear this every year, but something is different about the outlook for 2025 – There is a sense of enthusiasm, dynamism and innovation that is hard to quantify.
We’ve already seen a flood of exciting announcements, and companies are hitting the ground running with their hiring plans.
From new projects, huge investment and emerging technologies, the opportunities for growth—both individually and as businesses—are truly unparalleled in the world of Data Center & Advanced Manufacturing construction.
The momentum is palpable, and we’re just getting started.
Let’s uncover the ground-breaking announcements from the past month that are set to redefine the future!
Clayco Appoints Anthony Johnson as New CEO
After 17 years of leadership, Russ Burns is stepping down from his CEO role.
Here’s what Clayco’s Executive Chairman and Founder, Bob Clark, said during the announcement: “Russ Burns has been a transformational leader for Clayco. In his time as CEO, Clayco has rapidly expanded to become one of the largest builders of technical, mission critical projects in the United States, and we are beyond grateful for his contributions. But I am also extremely excited about the future under Anthony’s leadership.
Since joining the company in 2008, I have watched him grow into a leader of diverse teams across complex operations, including developing our industrial construction business. I am confident that Anthony will build on Russ’ legacy and position Clayco for even greater growth as a leader in the design-build industry.”
President Biden Signs Executive Order to Expedite AI Data Center Construction
On January 14, 2025, President Joe Biden signed an executive order aimed at accelerating the development of AI data centers across the United States. The order directs federal agencies to identify suitable sites and streamline the permitting process for these facilities, emphasizing the integration of clean energy solutions to meet the projected increase in electricity demand.
Aligned Data Centers Completes $12 Billion Capital Raise
Aligned, with support from Macquarie Asset Management, has successfully raised over $12 Billion to further expand its operations.
Clayco Launches New Business Unit – Clayco Compute
The company has officially introduced Clayco Compute, a dedicated division focused on Advanced Technology and Data Center construction.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) Commits Additional $10 Billion to Ohio Data Centers
AWS announced a further $10 Billion investment to expand its data center operations in Ohio. This commitment underscores Ohio’s emergence as a significant tech hub, though it raises questions about energy costs and supply to support the growing infrastructure.
Data Center Boom Fuels Demand for Nuclear Projects
The rapid expansion of data centers is driving tech giants to explore nuclear power as a means to meet their substantial energy requirements. This shift highlights the industry’s commitment to sustainable and reliable energy sources to support the growing digital infrastructure.
The BlackChamber Group Secures $12 Billion for Virginia Data Centers
BlackChamber has successfully secured $12 billion in funding for the construction of new data centers in Virginia, totaling 740MW of capacity. This substantial investment will support the development of multiple facilities aimed at bolstering the region’s data center infrastructure to meet the growing demand for digital services. The project is set to enhance Virginia’s position as a leading hub for data center operations in the U.S.
TECfusions Acquires Site for 3GW Data Center Campus
TECfusions has acquired a former manufacturing site outside Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to develop a 3GW data center campus, marking a significant investment in the region’s tech infrastructure
Microsoft Builds First Data Centers with Wood to Slash Carbon Emissions
In a bid to reduce the carbon footprint of its infrastructure, Microsoft is constructing its first data centers using super-strong, ultra-lightweight wood, aiming to decrease reliance on steel and concrete.
