This project is one of the largest economic development investments in the region, including a community betterment fund and energy infrastructure upgrades
QTS will fund the project’s energy infrastructure improvements with no cost impact to local utility bills
VAN WERT, Ohio (May 29, 2026) – The City of Van Wert and QTS Data Centers (“QTS”) announced plans for a data center campus expected to bring approximately $10 billion in capital investment, create high-paying jobs, and support long-term economic growth in Northwest Ohio.
On line with the company’s Commitment to Communities, the campus reflects QTS’s commitment to collaborating with local stakeholders to be a valuable partner to the Van Wert community. Specifically, this development will:
• Generate $200 million in projected tax revenue over the next 20 years, supporting the people and programs that strengthen Northwest Ohio.
– The 902-acre campus will include up to seven data center buildings and will create more than 1,500 construction jobs during construction through local trades union partnerships and 200 full time positions once operational.
– QTS will fund 100% of energy infrastructure improvements in partnership with American Electric Power at no cost to ratepayers.
– The campus will use a closed-loop system that consumes no water for cooling, saving billions of gallons of water annually.
– QTS will establish a community betterment fund to support Van Wert projects identified by the community, with investments focused on education, workforce development, public safety, and community amenities.
• Create more than 1,500 construction jobs, partnering with local building trades unions, and approximately 200 full-time QTS positions.
• Establish a community betterment fund for Van Wert dedicated to driving projects shaped by community input, including education, workforce development, public safety, and community amenity efforts.
• Support nonprofit organizations and first responders to enhance community well-being.
• Partner with the Vantage Career Centre, a local technical school, through an initial $100,000 investment to support local career technical training opportunities for students and adults in Van Wert, with the intent to grow a sustained, long-term partnership.
Rick Turner, Superintendent, Vantage Career Center
“As our region continues to grow and evolve, we are excited about the possibilities this partnership brings not only for our students, but for our community and local industries as well.We truly appreciate the commitment to education, workforce development, and the future success of our region.”
Energy and sustainability are central to the approach of QTS. QTS will fund 100% of the energy infrastructure improvements necessary to support the campus and there will be no cost impact to existing customers because of these improvements. All improvements will be designed to support the project and modernize the grid to help enable reliable service for existing customers. QTS is partnering with American Electric Power (AEP) to ensure long-term, reliable energy for residents and businesses across the community.
Van Wert Mayor Kenneth J. Markward
“We’ve been waiting nearly twenty years to get an end-user into the mega site. It’s a pleasure to welcome QTS into the community. In addition to the construction phase, this project brings good-paying jobs that will strengthen our tax base, allowing us to focus on other things that will beneit the residents of the city.”
While traditional data centers rely on a constant supply of water for cooling, the QTS data center campus will use a closed-loop cooling system that does not consume water for cooling once it is operational. This will significantly reduce water consumption, compared to traditional cooling methods, and help protect the resources Van Wert depends on. Many components of this cooling technology are built by Danfoss, a company with strong ties to Van Wert.
Brent Stevens, Executive Director, Van Wert Area Economic Development
“After two years of searching for the right fit for Van Wert, we found the perfect partner in QTS. Knowing water was a critical issue for our community, we insisted on a company that uses – and has perfected – a closed-loop cooling system. When we discovered they also rely on Danfoss components, it felt like destiny. We’re thrilled to welcome QTS to Van Wert.”
QTS and the City of Van Wert are committed to open, ongoing communication with residents and will coordinate with community leaders on opportunities for direct public engagement. This includes a community event on June 11 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Vantage Career Center, where residents can learn more about the project, ask questions and share their perspectives.
In every community where QTS operates, reaching out to community members to understand local priorities is a core part of the process. This input directly informs where QTS investments and efforts are focused. For more information on the QTS Van Wert project visit: Q.com/data-centers/van-wert/.
Tag Greason and David Robey, Co-CEOs of QTS
“This is a long-term investment in Van Wert. Our goal is to be a responsible neighbor, one that listens, invests in local priorities, and supports sustainable growth for families and businesses across the community. We’re committed to working hand-in-hand with Van Wert for decades to come.”
About QTS
QTS is a global data center leader with unrivaled access to scalable infrastructure across North America and Europe. QTS delivers state-of-the-art data center solutions, robust connectivity, and premium customer service to leading hyperscale technology companies, enterprises, and government entities at gigawatt scale. QTS prioritizes investing responsibly in the communities where it builds and operates. QTS is a Blackstone portfolio company.
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