Equinix to invest USD $700 million in Dundalk plant

Equinix has committed up to USD $700 million to support a new Hanley Energy manufacturing facility in Dundalk, Ireland. The company says the investment will improve the supply of critical power equipment for data centres and create hundreds of skilled jobs.

The 150,000 sq ft site is planned as a manufacturing hub for components used in data centre power distribution. Equinix will commit USD $350 million initially, rising to USD $700 million over time, under a five-year arrangement that can extend to 10 years.

The deal includes a minimum annual Equinix spend of USD $70 million. The project was announced in the presence of Taoiseach Micheál Martin.

Jobs and training

Recruitment has begun for an initial 200 engineers and technicians, covering precision engineering, quality assurance, and lean manufacturing. The companies also plan apprenticeship and training programmes linked to the facility.

The announcement frames the development as a long-term industrial investment for the Louth region and points to ongoing constraints in data centre build-outs, with lead times for electrical infrastructure becoming a key issue for operators and contractors.

Power components

The Dundalk factory will produce low-voltage switchgear, Power Distribution Units, and Remote Power Panels-equipment that manages and distributes power inside data centres.

Equinix expects faster delivery by consolidating production at a single site rather than relying on traditional procurement routes, with lead times forecast to improve by 10% to 15%.

The development will include a temperature-controlled testing laboratory, described as the only facility of its kind in Ireland or the UK. The site will also feature an independent temperature-rise test lab certified by Intertek as an Enhanced Level 3 SATELLITE Customer Testing Facility.

Supply chain focus

For Equinix, the Dundalk project adds to its supply chain strategy as operators contend with long build schedules and tight equipment availability. The equipment manufactured there will support Equinix's global data centre footprint, including deployments tied to rising demand for AI-related computing.

Hanley Energy was recently acquired by Jabil. The partnership links Equinix, a large colocation and interconnection operator, with a manufacturer capable of supplying and testing power distribution equipment at scale.

The companies say construction will prioritise low-carbon materials and efficient building practices. Equinix describes the project as part of a broader effort to secure global supply chains and modernise digital infrastructure.

Ireland already hosts significant data centre activity, particularly around Dublin, and continues to attract overseas technology investment. Officials said the Dundalk plan would strengthen Ireland's role in digital infrastructure and advanced manufacturing beyond the capital.

"This significant announcement reinforces Ireland's position as a leader in digital infrastructure and advanced manufacturing. The creation of hundreds of skilled jobs and the introduction of world-class facilities in Dundalk is a major boost for the region and for our national economy," said Micheál Martin, Taoiseach.

Equinix CEO and President Adaire Fox-Martin linked the investment to the company's established presence in Ireland and to customer demand.

"This investment builds upon Equinix's longtime presence in Ireland and reflects the strategically important role the country plays in the global technology ecosystem. Our expansion in Dundalk further strengthens our ability to meet growing customer demand while creating local jobs and supporting the community," said Adaire Fox-Martin.

Peter Lantry, Managing Director of Equinix Ireland, said the project would draw on Ireland's engineering talent while localising manufacturing for data centre equipment.

"This is a huge win for Ireland and the Louth region - highlighting the world class engineering talent that Ireland continues to develop. By securing our supply chain and investing in local manufacturing, we're not only accelerating delivery but also creating hundreds of high-skilled jobs. Importantly, we remain committed to Ireland, continuing to invest and grow our presence here. This reinforces our long-term presence and ensures we can meet the growing demand for digital infrastructure worldwide," Lantry said.

Hanley Energy CEO John O'Driscoll said the project would focus on meeting global testing and compliance requirements for equipment shipped from Dundalk to international markets.

"Partnering with Equinix on this transformative project highlights the strength of Irish engineering and innovation. Our advanced testing facilities and expertise will ensure that the equipment produced here meets the highest global standards, supporting data centers worldwide," O'Driscoll said.

IDA Ireland said the initiative would bring economic benefits and high-value roles to the region.

"Today's announcement by Equinix demonstrates Ireland's continued attractiveness as a location for digital infrastructure, advanced manufacturing and global technology partnerships. This initiative is set to deliver significant economic benefits and high-value jobs in Dundalk and the wider region," said Michael Lohan, CEO, IDA Ireland.