After months of speculation, the identity of the company behind a massive data center rising in Middleton Township has been confirmed: Meta, the parent company of Facebook, is investing more than $800 million into a next-generation, AI-optimized facility in northwest Ohio.

At a press event held at Bowling Green State University, the Regional Growth Partnership and JobsOhio formally introduced Meta as the project’s developer. The data center, spanning 715,000 square feet on 280 acres near State Rt. 582, has been under construction since fall 2023.

Middleton Township Trustee Mike Moulton noted Meta had been cooperative and respectful throughout the process, stating, “I’d also like to finally end the biggest guessing game in these parts.”

Once completed, the site will support around 100 high-paying jobs—averaging $83,000 annually—ranging from technicians to administrative staff. More than 1,000 construction workers are expected to be on site during peak phases.

As with all Meta data centers, the facility will run on 100% clean and renewable energy. The company has also pledged ongoing investments into the local community, including support for schools, nonprofits, and civic projects.

Local schools are set to benefit from tax incentives. With a 75% tax abatement, Eastwood schools could receive $800,000 annually, with Otsego schools also projected to receive similar funding on a staggered timeline.

Why Middleton Township?

Gary Thompson, executive vice president of the Regional Growth Partnership, outlined the factors that attracted Meta to the location.

“The number one thing that makes that site lucrative or attractive, there is a big set of high-transmission power lines running through the site,” he said.

Additionally, the area is a greenfield site—undeveloped and away from dense residential or industrial zones. But what sealed the deal, Thompson said, was the community’s welcoming attitude. “All the local players involved were very understanding and welcoming and that made the company feel welcome.”

Thompson added, “They like to go where they’re welcomed.”

Stacey Yip from Meta’s engineering communications team explained why the company initially withheld its name. “Maintaining confidentiality during project development increases efficiency and speed… Sometimes we choose not to invest in a site we are considering, so we do not want to pull entire communities through the ups and downs of our due diligence processes.”

Brad Davis, Meta’s director of data center community and economic development, said, “We are excited to become part of the Wood County community, and we look forward to having a strong, mutually beneficial partnership for years to come.”

Impact and Construction Timeline

Construction began in earnest four months ago and is expected to last 24 months for each development phase, potentially extending over 5–7 years in total.

Thompson praised Meta’s professionalism and collaborative approach: “They understand what they need. They ask good questions. They have a professional team of people. They are absolutely trying to create a win-win situation.”

He said the very first question from Meta was, “Are we a match for this community?” to which he responded, “Absolutely you’re a match.”

Dubbed “Project Accordion,” the development is located on land owned by Liames LLC. Wade Gottschalk, director of the Wood County Economic Development Commission, described Meta’s team as engaged and responsive. “They’ve been very involved and very supportive of what we need to get this over the finish line.”

Neighbors React

While officials praise the project, reactions from residents are mixed.

Ross Fought, who lives directly across from the site, expressed concern. “Honestly I’m not 100 percent sure, or even 50 percent sure, that this is good for our township or our area,” he said, noting that the township is now building new fire and EMS facilities to support the project’s needs.

He acknowledged the noise issues during construction, saying, “It’s been eye opening and very unsettling to see something like that happen where there was farmland.”

Fought also criticized the imbalance between corporate spending and local impact. “If they had just given everyone a million dollars, they still would have spent less than what Mr. Zuckerberg spent on his new house,” he said.

Others, like Jenny Kirsch, are trying to stay optimistic. “It could be worse. [We’re] just trying to reframe it and think of the positives,” she said. “So far, I think they’ve been respectable neighbors to us, and hopefully that will continue.”

A Growing Industry

This is Meta’s second data center in Ohio, following a facility in New Albany near Columbus. The company recently announced plans for another in eastern Lucas County. Ohio has emerged as a leading hub for data infrastructure, with over 1,500 centers statewide—a fourfold increase since 2011.

Gov. Mike DeWine welcomed the investment, saying, “Ohio is shaping the future of the data-driven digital economy… Meta and the other technology companies they attract can thrive while bringing new opportunities for our regional workforce and their families.”

Wood County Commissioner Craig LaHote echoed that sentiment: “Wood County is proud and grateful to welcome Meta and looks forward to a long-term partnership beneficial to all of us.”

Originally reported by The Blade.