AI cloud company Nebius, today broke ground on its flagship AI factory campus in Independence, Missouri. This is the company’s first gigawatt-scale digital infrastructure project in the US. Nebius already operates in the Kansas City area, and sees the Independence AI factory as a critical next step in its long-term growth in the US.
The ceremony to mark the start of construction of the multi-building AI factory on approximately 400 acres in eastern Independence, took place in the presence of state and local leaders, and company representatives.
“Projects like this are built for the long term, and we are committed to developing this facility in a way that directly benefits Independence,” said John Boynton, Board Chairman, Nebius. “We want to create lasting opportunities, act as a good partner with the community, and set a standard for developing AI and digital infrastructure responsibly.”
In a press release, Nebius said that construction of the first phase of the AI factory is now underway. In both the construction and operation phases, Nebius has put in place intentional design measures to minimize impact at a local level, including by minimizing water use, containing noise and light, and protecting ratepayers. Nebius’s Independence investment is also expected to generate US$ 650 million in tax payments to local school districts and taxing jurisdictions over the next 20 years.
Mike Kehoe, Governor, Missouri, said, “This investment from Nebius strengthens Missouri’s position as a national leader in digital infrastructure, while creating quality jobs, supporting local schools and businesses, and generating long-term opportunity. We are proud to support investments that keep Missouri competitive and moving forward.”
Ned Finkle, Vice President, External Affairs, NVIDIA, said, “Artificial intelligence is driving the largest infrastructure buildout in history — and that buildout must be rooted here in the United States. This Nebius campus will create thousands of jobs, strengthen American supply chains, and build the AI factories that will power the next era of computing. NVIDIA is proud to stand with Nebius and the State of Missouri as we build the future of AI in American communities, with American workers.”
Readers would recall that in March this year, the City Council had approved a Chapter 100 industrial development incentive plan for this project. Around the same time, Nebius and NVIDIA had formed a broader partnership to invest US$ 2 billion to build large-scale cloud infrastructure aimed at the rapidly growing AI market. The collaboration will extend across several parts of the AI technology stack, including data center architecture, computing hardware, software and operational systems.