5/14/13 - General Motors has announced that it will spend $100 (M) million to build a data center in Milford this year as part of its overhaul of information technology operations. Construction will begin in early summer on GMâs second data center at the Milford Proving Grounds. The company says about $158 million worth of IT equipment will be installed there and itâs expected to open in July of 2014. GM says there will be 350 skilled tradesâ workers on site at the peak of the project, and more than 95% of the construction jobs will come from southeast and central Michigan. It will be built as a companion to GMâs new Enterprise Data Center in Warren and both will focus on high-power computing, using much of the same equipment and material. Officials say the Milford location was chosen because of its specific proximity to Warren, allowing for âmirroredâ data. Officials say that way if one facility is off-line for any reason, the other will have the same data available without interruption. The two new facilities replace a network of 23 data centers operated by GM and three information technology suppliers around the world. GM says itâs saving money by having the centers on existing campuses, which have negotiated bulk utility rates, existing infrastructure and security. The Milford Township Board recently granted GM a 12-year, 50% tax abatement for the project and Supervisor Don Green says itâs about job creation, both temporary and permanent. Green says itâs good to see General Motors rebounding and a lot of time and effort on the part of both parties was spent to make the project a reality. Photo © General Motors. (JM)
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