VAN WERT, Ohio (WLIO) — The city of Van Wert announces an agreement to bring a large-scale data center campus to the east side of the city.
In a joint announcement with QTS Data Centers, officials said the project is expected to bring approximately $10 billion in capital investment to the Van Wert Mega Site.
The proposed data center complex is projected to generate about $200 million in tax revenue over the next 20 years and create around 200 full-time jobs.
As part of the project, QTS also plans to invest in workforce training programs at Vantage Career Center for both students and adults.
Company officials said QTS will fund 100% of the energy infrastructure improvements associated with the project, adding that the upgrades will not impact existing electric customers.
QTS also said the facility will use a closed-loop cooling system, allowing water used to cool servers to be continually reused after the initial supply is obtained.
Community members will have an opportunity to learn more about the project during a public event on June 11 at Vantage Career Center from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Media Release from QTS
City of Van Wert and QTS Announce Data Center Campus in Northwest Ohio
May 29, 2026
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.
In 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.
- 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 Center, 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.
“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,” said Rick Turner, Superintendent, Vantage Career Center. “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.
“We’ve been waiting nearly twenty years to get an end-user into the mega site,” said Van Wert Mayor Kenneth J. Markward. “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.”
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.
“After two years of searching for the right fit for Van Wert, we found the perfect partner in QTS,” said Brent Stevens, Executive Director, Van Wert Area Economic Development. “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/.
“This is a long-term investment in Van Wert,” said Tag Greason and David Robey, Co-CEOs of QTS. “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.
Let’s connect: Q.com | 877.QTS.DATA
