Meta Platforms to Invest Nearly $1 Billion in Wisconsin Data Center Development
Social media behemoth Meta Platforms is set to significantly bolster its infrastructure with plans to invest nearly $1 billion in a new data center in central Wisconsin, according to a recent report by Bloomberg. This initiative forms a crucial part of Meta's broader strategy to enhance its spending on artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud infrastructure in the coming years.
The state of Wisconsin had previously entered into an incentive agreement in February 2025 with a company that was initially unidentified but was later confirmed to be Meta. This agreement pertains to a major data center project that involves an expected multi-year investment totaling approximately $837 million. Details about the company involved typically come to light following the formal approval of contracts, as stated by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.
Meta's ambitious plans extend beyond this new facility; the company has projected a staggering investment of up to $65 billion in infrastructure for the year 2025, with a significant portion dedicated to AI-related facilities. Notably, there is already a large construction project underway in Louisiana, reflecting Meta's aggressive expansion in this sector.
The tech giant currently operates several data centers across the Midwest, including locations in Iowa and DeKalb, Illinois. The proposed facility in Wisconsin is expected to join this growing list of major data centers that are crucial for supporting the companyâs expansive operations.
AI technology has become increasingly integral to Meta's ecosystem, with applications that span from targeted advertising on platforms like Instagram and Facebook to the personalization of content in user feeds. The incorporation of AI capabilities is also evident in Metaâs consumer hardware products, such as the Meta Quest virtual reality headsets and the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses.
In a related development, it was reported in February 2025 that Meta Platforms is exploring plans for a new data center campus designed to further support its AI projects, with estimated costs potentially exceeding $200 billion. Around the same time, the company was in the early stages of negotiating a substantial financing package of about $35 billion, aimed at strengthening its data center infrastructure across the United States.
During a meeting with investors in January, Mark Zuckerberg, Metaâs CEO, expressed that he anticipates the companyâs total investment in AI-related initiatives could ultimately soar into the hundreds of billions of dollars, emphasizing Meta's commitment to leading in technological innovation.
Wisconsin is not just the focus of Meta's ambitions; several other tech giants are also eyeing the state for potential data center projects, often referred to as hyperscalers. For instance, in May 2024, Microsoft announced plans to invest $3.3 billion in Wisconsin to bolster the development of AI infrastructure and related endeavors.
Moreover, Wisconsin finds itself among 16 states being considered for a slice of OpenAIâs proposed $500 billion Stargate initiative, which aims to expand AI infrastructure across the United States. This initiative highlights the increasing importance of states like Wisconsin in the broader narrative of AI development and technological advancement.
This strategic investment by Meta not only signifies its commitment to AI and cloud infrastructure but also marks a significant shift in the technological landscape of the Midwest, positioning Wisconsin as a key player in the future of technology.