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Blog | 5 min read
Greater Richmond charts bold path in data science and sustainability
December 30, 2025
Virginia has firmly established itself as a global data capital and a premier internet hub, thanks to its robust digital infrastructure. From high-capacity fiber networks and internet exchange points to reliable energy sources and subsea cable access, the Commonwealth is uniquely positioned to support the next generation of data-driven innovation.
At the heart of this transformation is the Greater Richmond region, where sustainability and data science converge. As data centers, data science and sustainable solutions become increasingly vital to how cities and companies grow, Greater Richmond is attracting forward-thinking companies that are redefining what it means to build responsibly.
Sustainable innovators powering Richmond’s data future
Eaton: scaling critical power manufacturing to meet AI and data center demand
Eaton, one of the world’s leading intelligent power management companies, is dramatically expanding its Henrico County footprint with an investment exceeding $50 million. The company will open a new 350,000 square foot manufacturing campus, adding 200 new jobs and more than doubling its current Richmond area presence. Production is expected to begin in 2027.
This expansion consolidates three existing local facilities and positions Henrico as a central node in Eaton’s global strategy to meet skyrocketing demand for data center infrastructure, especially as AI workloads push power requirements to unprecedented levels. The new campus will manufacture static transfer switches, power distribution units and remote power panels, core technologies for data centers, cloud computing campuses and emerging “AI factories.”
Why Richmond?
Eaton evaluated multiple sites nationwide before selecting Henrico, a decision driven by several strategic advantages:
- Proximity to a booming data center market: More than 50 new data centers were permitted in Virginia in 2025 alone, creating enormous demand for power distribution equipment.
- Exceptional local workforce: Eaton praised the abilities of its longtime regional employees and cited Virginia’s talent pool as a core asset supporting innovation and manufacturing excellence.
- Strong public‑sector collaboration: The project is backed by a $1 million performance‑based grant and coordinated support from the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and Henrico EDA.
- Strategic consolidation: Bringing three facilities under one roof improves efficiency, enhances R&D potential and allows Eaton to scale to meet record demand from AI and cloud infrastructure providers.
Eaton’s expansion is part of a broader trend: Virginia’s rise as a national center for advanced power management, spurred by the explosive growth of data‑heavy industries.
Anord Mardix: Powering the mid‑Atlantic’s data infrastructure from Henrico
Anord Mardix, an Ireland‑based global producer of critical power infrastructure, has deepened its roots in Greater Richmond with the opening of a second U.S. manufacturing facility in Henrico County. The company’s latest expansion represents a $907,500 investment and created 51 jobs, enhancing its ability to serve North America’s booming data center market.
This move builds on Anord Mardix’s established presence in Henrico, where it launched its first U.S. manufacturing facility in 2014. The company produces low‑ and medium‑voltage switchgear, power distribution units and Energy Management Systems (EMS) — precisely the equipment required to power hyperscale computing centers. Virginia successfully competed with Maryland and North Carolina for this expansion, signaling the strategic importance of retaining the company within the region.
Why Richmond?
Anord Mardix leadership pointed directly to Henrico’s skilled workforce, high‑quality industrial real estate and the county’s proven track record supporting high‑growth, high‑impact manufacturers. The company has been “extremely pleased” with the talent available in the region, citing employee expertise as a key factor in enabling continued expansion.
The Richmond Region also offers immediate proximity to one of the country’s fastest‑growing data center clusters. Henrico’s fast access to Virginia’s fiber backbone, strong logistics and proximity to Northern Virginia’s hyperscale ecosystem position the company at the epicenter of data‑driven growth. The region’s business‑friendly climate, bolstered by support from the Greater Richmond Partnership and Henrico Economic Development Authority, further cements its appeal.
Anord Mardix’s continued investment underscores Greater Richmond’s emergence as a power infrastructure hub for the entire Eastern U.S.
Condair: A Swiss climate‑tech leader bets big on Richmond’s data center corridor
Condair, the Switzerland‑based global leader in humidification, dehumidification and evaporative‑cooling technologies, made one of its most consequential North American moves right here in Greater Richmond. The company invested $57.2 million to establish a new 400,000‑square‑foot production facility in Chesterfield County, an expansion that created 180 new jobs.
The Richmond‑area facility will become a cornerstone of Condair’s North American strategy. In fact, the company plans to relocate production operations from Center, Texas, to Richmond by 2026, consolidating expertise and increasing supply‑chain efficiency. Condair’s CEO has explicitly tied this move to strengthening its evaporative technologies business and deepening ties with data center clients, a sector that forms a substantial part of its customer base.
Why Richmond?
Chesterfield gives Condair direct access to one of the world’s densest and fastest‑growing data center markets. Virginia hosts approximately 35% of the world’s large‑scale data centers and more facilities are planned in the Richmond region. Condair’s products, needed for industrial cooling, humidity control and large‑scale climate management, are critical components for these hyperscale environments. The company also noted the strength of the regional workforce, proximity to major customers like Amazon Web Services and Microsoft and Richmond’s logistical advantage in reaching 45% of the U.S. population within a day’s drive.
For Condair, Richmond offers both the market and the muscle growing demand for its technologies and a ready talent pipeline to scale production.
These companies aren’t just building infrastructure, they’re building a blueprint for a cleaner, smarter future. Their presence in Greater Richmond signals a regional commitment to innovation, resilience and environmental stewardship.
Whether you’re a data-driven enterprise, a sustainability-focused investor, or a tech innovator looking for your next strategic location, Greater Richmond is ready for you. Discover how your company can thrive in a region where digital transformation meets environmental responsibility.
