Microsoft has announced plans to invest $3.3 billion in an artificial intelligence-related initiative in Wisconsin. This investment will focus on expanding the tech giant’s cloud computing and artificial intelligence infrastructure capacity, with the development of a state-of-the-art data center campus in Racine, Wisconsin. In addition, Microsoft will create the country’s first manufacturing-focused AI co-innovation lab and an AI skilling initiative to equip over 100,000 Wisconsin residents with essential AI skills.
The data center project is expected to create 2,300 union construction jobs in the area by 2025, and 2,000 permanent jobs over time. President Joe Biden lauded these job creation efforts, contrasting them with the failed promises of former President Donald Trump regarding a $10 billion investment from Taiwanese electronics manufacturer Foxconn six years ago. Trump’s plan called for 13,000 manufacturing jobs in the region, but no such investment materialized after extensive taxpayer funding was allocated to prepare the site.
As part of his “Investing in America” agenda, President Biden met with Microsoft President Brad Smith to announce the new investment in Wisconsin. Microsoft plans to partner with Gateway Technical College to build a Data Center Academy and train and certify over 1,000 students in five years to work in the new data center and IT sector jobs created in the area. Smith highlighted the importance of Wisconsin’s legacy of manufacturing and innovation, as well as the collaborative nature of the community in getting things done.
During his visit to Wisconsin, President Biden praised Microsoft’s partnership and highlighted the failures of the Foxconn project from the Trump administration. Biden criticized the broken promises and lack of results from the Foxconn investment, emphasizing the need for tangible and impactful job creation efforts. Microsoft’s investment in the state was seen as a positive step towards revitalizing the economy and providing essential skills training to the local workforce.
Microsoft’s decision to invest in Wisconsin was met with political scrutiny, as it comes during an election year. However, Smith emphasized that Microsoft is not running for any political office and that the Biden administration has been instrumental in supporting the AI project. The collaboration between the government and the private sector was highlighted as a key factor in driving economic growth and creating opportunities for workers in Wisconsin.
Overall, Microsoft’s $3.3 billion investment in an AI initiative in Wisconsin is expected to have a significant impact on job creation and skills training in the state. The development of a state-of-the-art data center campus, in addition to manufacturing-focused AI co-innovation labs and skilling initiatives, will provide valuable opportunities for Wisconsin residents. President Biden’s meeting with Microsoft President Brad Smith underscored the importance of public-private partnerships in driving economic development and creating sustainable job opportunities for communities.
