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QTS Construction Update: Q&A with HITT Contracting

Tell us about the QTS and HITT partnership.

HITT takes pride in our successful partnership with QTS to date. Together, we have delivered more than seven million square feet of projects nationwide and continue to build on this impressive record. Our collaboration is rooted in a shared commitment to core values and a mutual investment in fostering strong, mutually beneficial relationships. We deeply value the engagement from QTS’s leadership, which provides us with crucial insights into their future directions and areas where we can offer our services most effectively. Working with clients like QTS, who not only challenge us to improve but also offer avenues for growth through new opportunities, is immensely appreciated. We are grateful for the open and constructive dialogue we share.

How many people are on sites at any given time?

In 2023, HITT, along with our trade partners, collectively worked more than three million labor hours across multiple QTS projects. On average, this amounted to 1,500 workers actively engaged on HITT-QTS builds each day.

How is safety prioritized on our partnered builds?

At the heart of the HITT and QTS partnership lies a fundamental agreement: safety is the top priority on every project. We firmly believe that a project can only be deemed successful if every individual involved is able to return home safely each day. This dedication to safety is reflected in our thorough planning across all project phases and in our investment in additional onsite resources that support both the physical and mental well-being of our workforce, including on-site medics and conditioned break spaces. HITT maintains a steadfast commitment to conducting all operations with the utmost safety and prioritize health and wellness above all, embedding this philosophy from the top levels of our organization down to each team member. Our approach extends beyond basic compliance with OSHA standards; we actively promote a Culture of Care, focusing on mental well-being, psychological safety, and inclusivity, and we are committed to proactively addressing hazards and eliminating outdated practices to provide the best working experience for our trade partners and project stakeholders. 

What is one highlight of this year’s QTS and HITT partnered builds?

HITT is grateful for the opportunity to have completed projects in six different states to date for QTS; however, being chosen and entrusted by QTS for the largest single project delivery within an industry-shifting timeline was a standout achievement for HITT in 2023. So far, the collaboration between the QTS and HITT project teams epitomizes the ideal partnership, ensuring that every project stakeholder is positioned for success.

What is a unique facet of a data center build vs various other types of builds?

The necessity for rapid market delivery is a distinctive aspect of data center construction. These projects are typically driven by deals and demand innovative, out-of-the-box approaches. Often, the design process lags, making it crucial for project teams to have a clear understanding of the project’s goals. This understanding is key to developing a robust, forward-thinking procurement plan that keeps the project on schedule. Choosing highly experienced and capable trade partners is equally important to reinforce these plans and ensure safe delivery. This approach allows for effective project planning, incorporating opportunities for off-site prefabrication and early procurement of materials with long lead times, all to guarantee timely delivery.

HITT Mission Critical Overview

HITT’s mission critical team is dedicated to the specialized construction of complex, fast-paced mission-critical projects. Our focus encompasses business-critical IT, communications, and data storage facilities. We bring expertise across various technology environments, offering construction and delivery services for enterprise, colocation, and hyperscale data center clients.

Since the launch of our mission critical team in 2007, we have completed more than 20 million square feet of data center space and commissioned over 2 GW of critical power across 26 states. Our successful track record spans new constructions to customer data hall fit-outs, showcasing our versatility in project types. This breadth of experience has earned us recognition as a top three data center builder by Building Design + Construction and Engineering News-Record. For more information, visit www.hitt.com/mission-critical.

About HITT Contracting

HITT Contracting provides a wide range of construction services across the nation, from complex core and shell buildings and renovations to interior fit-outs and routine service work. No matter the project size or type, HITT delivers a premium construction experience on every project it builds. With 2023 projected revenues of $5.6 billion and 1,600+ team members in 14 office locations nationwide, HITT is ranked as one of the top 20 largest general contractors in the U.S. For more than 85 years, the Washington, DC area-headquartered company has been elevating the business of building nationwide through innovation, research and development, sustainability, and by working tirelessly and intentionally to earn clients’ trust by making every building experience exceptional. Learn more about HITT’s general contracting capabilities at HITT.com

 

Since the launch of our mission critical team in 2007, we have completed more than 20 million square feet of data center space and commissioned over 2 GW of critical power across 26 states. Our successful track record spans new constructions to customer data hall fit-outs, showcasing our versatility in project types. This breadth of experience has earned us recognition as a top three data center builder by Building Design + Construction and Engineering News-Record. For more information, visit www.hitt.com/mission-critical.

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