Vertiv: US$50m Ohio Investment Boosts Data Centre Cooling

Vertiv has announced that it is investing US$50m in expanding manufacturing operations in Ironton, Ohio and its headquarters campus in Westerville, Ohio.

The move strengthens its ability to support data centre engineers deploying AI and high-density computing infrastructure.

Vertiv aligns this expansion with growing demand for advanced thermal management systems, which are essential in modern data centres where compute density continues to increase.

The projects are expected to create hundreds of jobs through 2029, while also extending Vertiv’s capacity to deliver infrastructure at scale.

Scaling cooling systems for AI workloads

At the centre of the investment is Vertiv’s Ironton facility, where the company is increasing manufacturing capacity for liquid cooling and chilled water systems. These technologies are critical in data centre environments that support AI workloads.

The expansion at Ironton is expected to be operational in the second quarter of 2027. Once complete, production capacity for these systems is expected to increase by approximately 45%. This will support faster delivery of cooling infrastructure and help reduce reliance on extended supply chains, which can delay deployments.

These shorter supply chains will translate into quicker project timelines and improved responsiveness when facilities are scaled. As demand for AI infrastructure grows, the ability to secure cooling systems without delay is a key operational factor.

Meeting data centre infrastructure demand

The rise in AI adoption introduces new requirements for data centre design. Facilities are now supporting high-performance workloads such as large-scale model training, where systems process vast datasets continuously. These workloads rely on GPU clusters.

Higher compute density means more power consumption and greater heat output within the same physical space. As a result, traditional cooling methods are no longer sufficient for many deployments.

Vertiv’s investment extends beyond manufacturing. The company is also expanding its engineering, sales, services and logistics capabilities to support customers deploying the infrastructure. This integrated approach ensures that data centre technicians can access both the equipment and the expertise needed to implement cooling systems effectively.

Giordano Albertazzi, Chief Executive Officer of Vertiv, says: "Ohio operations remain integral to Vertiv's strategy. This investment expands our manufacturing capacity and strengthens the engineering, sales, service, and logistics capabilities that support customers building the next generation of digital infrastructure.

"It also reflects our confidence in the talent, commitment, and long-standing support we continue to see across Ohio and within the communities where we operate."

By increasing production capacity in Ohio, Vertiv will be able to respond more quickly to demand from operators building new facilities or upgrading existing ones.

Expanding footprint and operational resilience

Vertiv’s presence in Ohio already spans 14 facilities, including manufacturing sites, research and development centres, testing labs and customer experience environments. The expansion of both its Ironton facility and Westerville headquarters strengthens their existing footprint.

By investing in both manufacturing and headquarters capabilities, Vertiv is improving its operational resilience, the ability to maintain consistent performance and service delivery despite changes in demand or external conditions. Working with suppliers that offer resilient operations reduces risk when deploying critical infrastructure.

The expansion also enhances Vertiv’s ability to support customers with greater scale and speed. As data centre projects grow in size and complexity, suppliers must deliver equipment, expertise and support services in a coordinated way.

Vertiv’s focus on liquid cooling and chilled water systems reflects a new direction of data centre design, with efficiency and density closely interlinked.

As data centre executives continue to fund the deployment of AI infrastructure, the role of thermal management is critical for maintaining uptime and performance across facilities.