Powering Van Wert's Future
A Joint Partnership for Innovation
Planned Investment
$10 Billion+
Community Revenue
An estimated $200 Million+ projected over 20 years
Permanent Jobs
200-250 high-salary positions expected
Construction Jobs
1,000-1,500 temporary roles
Brent Stevens, Executive Director, Van Wert Area Economic DevelopmentFor nearly two decades, Van Wert has prepared for the moment when our strategic planning would meet global opportunity. Now a data center is being planned for a portion of the Van Wert Megasite, bounded by US Route 30 to the South, US Route 127 to the West and US Route 224 to the North. Since this 900-acre site was first designated and pre-annexed for industrial use in 2007, our goal has been to attract an investment that secures our community’s financial future without compromising our heritage.
Today, through a joint effort between Van Wert Area Economic Development and Thor Equities, we are realizing that vision. This $10 Billion+ data center project is more than just a facility; it is a transformational engine for our local economy. It brings high-wage jobs, massive support for our schools, and critical infrastructure upgrades—all while utilizing sustainable, closed-loop technology that protects our local resources.
Facts vs. Fiction: Dispelling Myths
Residential bills will not increase because of this project. The data center owner will pay for the transmission line upgrades and infrastructure improvements required to power this facility; residents will not pay for these upgrades.
The data center will use a closed-loop cooling system running on a water-glycol mixture, which is highly efficient and designed to minimize water consumption. It does not draw from municipal supplies or wells.
Modern data centers are designed with sound‑attenuating equipment and minimal external noise compared with major industrial machinery. Data centers try to minimize the volume of operational noise beyond the property line. The data center industry invests considerable effort in noise studies, mitigation design, and cooperatively addressing community concerns. The City’s zoning code (part of the Van Wert Code of Ordinances) and nuisance provisions provide direct local controls over land use and some environmental impacts like excessive noise within city limits.
This site was pre-annexed and designated I-2 industrial by City, County and Township agreement nearly 20 years ago in 2007.
Diesel generators on site are there only for emergency backup power in the event of an outage. Their operation and emissions are regulated by the Ohio EPA.
Economic & Community Benefit
Local Revenue
A project of this size will provide millions of dollars annually to support local schools and public servicesHigh-Wage Employment
250 permanent jobs are expected to average $80,000 annually.Supports Local Jobs
The project will support existing employers, such as Danfoss, which has a patent on data center cooling equipment and has expanded its workforce by 50 employees over the last 12 months, with additional growth anticipated.Ancillary Jobs
Every direct data center job creates roughly 3.5 ancillary jobs in sectors like maintenance, retail, and professional services. This project is committed to using local trades and vendors as much as possible.Infrastructure & Safety
A dedicated construction entrance off US 30 will keep heavy trucks away from local schools and residential streets.
The data center operator is planning to fund upgrades to Mendon Road and Bonnewitz Crossing.
This site will use advanced "clean-agent" fire suppression (no water damage) and 24/7 onsite professional security.
