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Dacentec makes official announcement of new data centerJul 30, 2010 (News-Topic - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Caldwell County officials welcomed a second data center to Lenoir on Thursday with a grand opening ceremony for cloud-computing specialist Dacentec. Located at 801 Main St., the company has been renovating the 23,000-square-foot former Sportswear Express manufacturing location. The company plans initially to employ five individuals, though projected growth could take that number to 20 or more in the next two or three years, according to Dacentec Data Center Manager William Groh. The jobs are expected to pay between $35,000 to $55,000 per year. Aligned with India-based Zenith Infotech, which maintains a U.S. headquarters in Pittsburgh, and Belgium-based Aserver, Dacentec provides server hosting and Internet protocol network services. The company specializes in cloud computing, which involves providing server space and information technology support to clients. Groh said Dacentec chose Lenoir after considering to locate in The Dalles, Ore., Charlotte, Columbia, S.C., Tulsa, Okla., and Aurora, Colo. "We really did a nationwide search to find the best place," Groh said, noting that North Carolina is viewed as the best place in the country to locate a data center. He added that key factors in coming to Lenoir were assistance from local governments, existing power infrastructure and real estate cost. The company purchased the building last October and began the process of transforming the textile site into a home for computer servers. Renovations were aided by a grant from the North Carolina Rural Economic Development Center and were performed by Samet Corporation, M.B. Haynes Corporation and H&M Constructors. "We think (the building) does exactly what we need to do," Groh said. Groh said a first phase will involve the installation of 72 racks of servers, a number that is expected to double within the next two months. A third phase will up the rack count to more than 200 by early next year, with a goal of 500 racks when all phases are finished. "The future looks bright, and we are looking to get there as soon as possible," Groh said. In explaining the company's decision, Groh said Google's Lenoir location was a primary factor. "We really wouldn't have come to Lenoir if that seed had not been planted," he said. Caldwell County Economic Development Commission Executive Director Harry Whalen said work on the Dacentec project began in June 2009, prior to his arrival to the area. He praised the assistance of EDC staff members Bobby White and Amanda Triplett to get the N.C. Rural Center grant approved. "This is the second data center location in Caldwell County," Whalen said. "Lenoir is on the map internationally now that we are dealing with this company." Added Lenoir Mayor David Barlow, "We want to thank you for choosing Lenoir. We're just thrilled that we're gaining jobs ... and good jobs." To see more of the News-Topic or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.newstopic.net/. Copyright (c) 2010, News-Topic, Lenoir, N.C. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For more information about the content services offered by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services (MCT), visit www.mctinfoservices.com, e-mail [email protected], or call 866-280-5210 (outside the United States, call +1 312-222-4544). |