Meta data center begins operations in Gallatin
By KATE COIL
TT&C Assistant Editor
Officials with the city of Gallatin were on hand to celebrate the opening of Meta’s Gallatin Data Center.
The new data center is now serving traffic, which means it is serving as part of the global infrastructure that brings technologies and services by the company to life. Meta, the parent company of Facebook, broke ground on the data center in 2020.
“Since we broke ground on this data center in 2020, Gallatin, TN, has become our home,” Meta said in a statement. “We chose this location because it offered excellent infrastructure, access to renewable energy, a strong pool of talent for both construction and operations staff, and great community partners that have helped us move forward quickly. Construction of the Gallatin Data Center has resulted in an average of 1,100 skilled trade workers on site at peak, and the facility currently supports over 100 operational jobs. Once fully built out, this facility will represent an investment of more than $1.5 billion in the state of Tennessee.”
Gallatin Mayor Paige Brown said Meta has served as a valuable partner for the Gallatin community already.
“Since choosing Gallatin, Meta has consistently made meaningful contributions to our community, both in volunteer time and in monetary contributions – more than $1 million to our non-profits, the county school system, Volunteer State Community College and our local chamber,” Mayor Brown said. “They consistently ask how and where they can help and follow through on their commitments. Gallatin is better with the partnerships of Meta and other businesses like them that are committed to being a positive contributor to our city.”
Rosemary Bates, executive director of the Gallatin Economic Development Agency, said Meta has integrated itself into Gallatin long before this grand opening.
“Meta has been a model business partner since breaking ground in 2020, from caring for our community to paying for infrastructure upgrades to bringing 100 quality jobs to the area,” Bates said. “By choosing Gallatin, they’ve generated worldwide attention that has spurred other tech industry investments in our region. We appreciate our partnership with Meta and their team.”
As part of the opening, Meta also announced a new partnership with the Gallatin Shalom Zone to help restore the historic gym on the organization’s campus, which had previously served as the all-black Union High School. The nonprofit also serves one of the most underserved neighborhoods and will be supported by a $250,000 grant from Meta.
“Revitalizing the gym at Gallatin Shalom Zone breathes new life into a building that has long been a source of pride and promise,” said Gallatin Shalon Zone Board Chair Kaneisha Dotson. “As a beacon of hope in our community, Shalom Zone stands as a testament to resilience and opportunity. Meta’s investment creates a beautiful, welcoming space that people and students absolutely deserve — a place where they can dream, grow, and be inspired for generations to come."
The data center is matched with 100% renewable energy and has partnered with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to be one of eight Meta-support projects adding 530MW of renewable energy to Tennessee. The facility also has the goal of being water positive by 2030, meaning it will restore more water than it consumes.
As part of Meta’s commitment to sustainability, the Gallatin Data Center will be LEED Gold certified, and 30 acres of native pollinator habitat have been planted on site to date. The company is also partnering with the Tennessee Environmental Council to install 6,000 square feet of pollinator gardens across Sumner County middle schools, providing students with hands-on opportunities to learn about sustainable practices and environmental conservation.
Gov. Bill Lee said that this is hopefully the first of many partnerships with the company.
“The state with the workers will win every time, and I am proud to welcome Meta to Sumner County,” Gov. Lee said. “I thank Meta for their significant investment in the Volunteer State, and look forward to our continued partnership, which will drive our economy and deliver even greater opportunity for Tennesseans.”
Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart McWhorter said Meta’s partnership with Gallatin is an example of how economic investment can be revolutionary for communities.
“Four years ago, we announced that Meta would locate a state-of-the-art data center in Tennessee with Gallatin as its first location,” he said. “What was an $800 million investment then has surpassed that amount and grown to an approximately $1.5 billion investment in our state. Meta’s investment is not only driving Tennessee’s economy, but the company is also making an impact at the local level, becoming a true community partner.”