The City of Van Wert and QTS Data Centers have announced plans for a large-scale data center campus in Northwest Ohio, representing approximately USD 10 billion in capital investment and carrying projections of significant employment growth, tax revenue, and community development over the coming decades.

A Two-Decade Wait for a Mega Site Tenant

Van Wert Mayor Kenneth J. Markward described the announcement as the culmination of nearly twenty years of anticipation.

"We've been waiting nearly twenty years to get an end-user into the mega site," Markward said. "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 benefit the residents of the city."

Brent Stevens, Executive Director of Van Wert Area Economic Development, said the search for the right development partner took two years before QTS emerged as the chosen company.

According to Stevens, water use was a central concern throughout that process. "Knowing water was a critical issue for our community, we insisted on a company that uses, and has perfected, a closed-loop cooling system," Stevens said.

Employment and Economic Impact

According to the announcement, the campus is expected to generate more than 1,500 construction jobs through partnerships with local building trades unions.

QTS also anticipates creating approximately 200 full-time positions once the facility is operational. The project is projected to produce USD 200 million in tax revenue over the next 20 years, with QTS and city officials describing those funds as intended to support people and programs across Northwest Ohio.

Tag Greason and David Robey, Co-CEOs of QTS, framed the project as a long-term regional commitment.

"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," the two said in a joint statement. "We're committed to working hand-in-hand with Van Wert for decades to come."

Closed-Loop Cooling Technology Sets This Campus Apart

One of the more technically distinctive features of the announced campus is its cooling infrastructure. While conventional data centers typically rely on continuous water consumption for cooling purposes, the QTS Van Wert campus will use a closed-loop cooling system that does not consume water for cooling once operational.

The company states this approach will significantly reduce water consumption compared to traditional methods.

A notable local connection underpins the technology choice.

Many components of the closed-loop cooling system are manufactured by Danfoss, a company with existing ties to Van Wert.

Stevens called the overlap between QTS's technology preferences and Danfoss's local presence a deciding factor in the partnership. "When we discovered they also rely on Danfoss components, it felt like destiny," he said.

Energy Infrastructure and Grid Modernization

QTS has committed to funding all energy infrastructure improvements necessary to support the campus, with the company stating explicitly that no cost impact will fall on existing utility customers as a result of these upgrades.

The improvements are described as designed both to serve the new campus and to modernize the regional grid in ways that benefit existing residential and commercial customers.

QTS is partnering with American Electric Power, known as AEP, to provide long-term, reliable energy supply for the campus and the surrounding community.

Community Investment and Education Partnerships

Beyond the direct economic and employment figures, QTS announced a series of community-facing commitments tied to the Van Wert campus.

The company will establish a community betterment fund dedicated to projects shaped by input from Van Wert residents, with stated focus areas including education, workforce development, public safety, and community amenities.

QTS also said it will support local nonprofit organizations and first responders as part of its community engagement approach.

A direct partnership with the Vantage Career Center, a local technical school, was also announced. QTS is making an initial USD 100,000 investment in the institution to support career technical training opportunities for both students and adults in Van Wert.

The company described this as the foundation of an intended long-term relationship with the school.

Rick Turner, Superintendent of the Vantage Career Center, welcomed the commitment.

"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," Turner said. "We truly appreciate the commitment to education, workforce development, and the future success of our region."

Public Engagement Planned for June

QTS and the City of Van Wert announced a community event scheduled for June 11 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Vantage Career Center, where residents will have the opportunity to learn about the project, ask questions, and share their perspectives.

The companies said ongoing communication with residents and coordination with community leaders are core elements of how QTS approaches development in every community where it operates.