Amazon has announced plans to invest approximately $10 billion (about ₩13.7 trillion KRW) in North Carolina, USA, to significantly expand its cloud computing infrastructure and accelerate artificial intelligence (AI) innovation. This massive investment will create a new data center campus in Richmond County, generating at least 500 high-skilled jobs and including comprehensive support for the local community. This move is interpreted as Amazon's strong commitment to making North Carolina a key hub for the AI era.
Strategic Investment Driven by Soaring Generative AI Demand
Amazon's investment, announced on June 4th (local time), is a direct response to the rapidly increasing demand for advanced cloud infrastructure and computing power driven by the recent rapid development of Generative AI technology. Amazon Web Services (AWS), a leader in the cloud computing market, plans to meet this demand and solidify its foundation for AI technology development through data center expansion. North Carolina was chosen as a core investment location due to its strategically important position and excellent infrastructure.
The minimum of 500 high-skilled jobs to be created through this investment will focus on advanced technology fields, including data center engineers, network specialists, engineering operations managers, and security professionals. Additionally, thousands of local construction jobs are expected to be created, and indirect employment effects are anticipated across the data center supply chain and other industries within the community.
North Carolina's Welcome and Expectations
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein warmly welcomed Amazon's investment, stating, "Artificial intelligence is changing the way we work and innovate, and I'm glad North Carolina is at the forefront of all this advancement as we continue to attract top-tier tech companies like Amazon." He also emphasized, "Amazon's investment is one of the largest in state history and will bring hundreds of high-paying jobs and economic vitality to Richmond County," expressing optimism about regional economic development.
David Zapolsky, Amazon's Chief Global Operations & General Counsel, added, "Amazon's $10 billion investment in North Carolina underscores our commitment to driving innovation and advancing the future of cloud computing and AI technology. This investment will position North Carolina as a hub for cutting-edge technology, create hundreds of high-skilled jobs, and foster significant economic growth."
Continuous Investment and Community Contribution
Since 2010, Amazon has invested a total of $12 billion in North Carolina, supporting approximately 24,000 full-time and part-time jobs and over 26,000 indirect jobs. This latest expansion demonstrates Amazon's deep trust in North Carolina's thriving business ecosystem and talented workforce.
When selecting locations for data center infrastructure, Amazon prioritizes regions that offer strong utility infrastructure, a skilled workforce, and opportunities to support public services through increased tax revenue. North Carolina, meeting these criteria, provides an optimal investment environment for Amazon.
Going forward, Amazon stated its commitment to making a positive impact in North Carolina beyond job creation through educational partnerships, sustainability initiatives, and community reinvestment. In particular, new workforce development training programs will help local residents gain competitiveness in future-oriented technology fields.
Amazon reiterated its pride in expanding operations in North Carolina to lead next-generation cutting-edge technologies like AI, expressing gratitude for partnerships with state and local leaders, and pledging continued efforts to keep North Carolina at the forefront of the digital age. This $10 billion investment is expected to be a significant turning point for Amazon's long-term growth strategy and North Carolina's economic development.
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