Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ:AMZN) has announced plans to invest approximately $10 billion in North Carolina to expand its data center infrastructure in support of artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing.
The investment is expected to create at least 500 high-skilled jobs, with thousands more supported through the broader Amazon Web Services (AWS) data center supply chain and related construction and operational roles.
According to the company, the expansion reflects rising demand for generative AI technologies that require advanced computing capacity.
The planned facilities will include roles such as data center engineers, network specialists, operations managers, and security professionals.
“Amazon's $10 billion investment in North Carolina underscores our commitment to driving innovation and advancing the future of cloud computing and AI technologies,” Amazon’s chief global affirs and legal officer David Zapolsky said.
“This investment will position North Carolina as a hub for cutting-edge technology, create hundreds of high-skilled jobs, and drive significant economic growth.”
The announcement builds on Amazon’s existing presence in the state. Since 2010, the company says it has invested $12 billion in North Carolina, contributing an estimated $13.1 billion to the state’s gross domestic product and supporting approximately 50,000 direct and indirect jobs.
“Artificial intelligence is changing the way we work and innovate, and I am pleased that North Carolina will stay at the forefront of all that’s ahead as we continue to attract top technology companies like Amazon,” North Carolina Governor Josh Stein said.
Wednesday’s announcement is part of a broader capital investment plan by Amazon, which includes a projected $100 billion in capital expenditures in 2025.
Much of that spending is focused on expanding AI capabilities across the company’s operations, including investment in proprietary chips and network systems to support AWS and other AI initiatives.
Shares of Amazon were little changed on the update, trading hands at about $207 in the early afternoon on Wednesday.