According to a report in the South Bend Tribune, tech giant Microsoft is doubling down on its Indiana presence, announcing a $1 billion investment to build a new data center in LaPorte. This comes just weeks after Microsoft purchased land for another data center complex in St. Joseph County.

The new LaPorte facility will span 245,000 square feet and sit on a 489-acre plot at the Radius Industrial Park. The data center is expected to create up to 200 high-tech jobs by the end of 2032, including roles in IT, security, and environmental engineering.

Governor Eric Holcomb hailed the project, stating Indiana’s commitment to becoming a “central hub” for cloud computing and AI advancements. He emphasized the positive impact this will have on Hoosier communities and the state’s data-driven ecosystem.

Microsoft will work with the city of LaPorte throughout the design, permitting, and construction phases, which are expected to begin later this year. This marks Microsoft’s first data center in the state.

The LaPorte announcement comes alongside a flurry of data center activity in Indiana. This year alone, the state has attracted four major data center projects from Fortune 500 companies, totaling a collective investment of $14.8 billion. These projects are expected to create 1,500 jobs across Indiana.

LaPorte Mayor Tom Dermody expressed excitement about the project, highlighting Microsoft’s commitment to responsible operations and community engagement. He looks forward to a long-term collaboration with the tech giant.

The city of LaPorte, along with NIPSCO (Northern Indiana Public Service Company), has offered incentives to support the project. The state has also pledged tax credits as investments are made.

Microsoft’s investment in LaPorte signifies Indiana’s growing importance in the national cloud computing and AI landscape. The project promises not only significant economic benefits but also the creation of a high-tech hub in northwest Indiana.