Multibillion dollar investment positions Wisconsin to be a leader in sustainable AI digital infrastructure – built by the union workforce.
MADISON, Wis. – Nov. 18, 2025 – QTS Data Centers (“QTS”), a digital infrastructure leader in designing, building and operating world-class data centers, and the Building Trades Council of South Central Wisconsin, which represents Wisconsin’s skilled union workforce, are partnering to build the recently announced proposed data center campus in Dane County, Wisconsin. This partnership demonstrates that local union workers will play a significant role in the construction of one of the most significant infrastructure projects in Wisconsin’s history. The multibillion dollar investment will rely on Wisconsin’s skilled union labor to fill thousands of construction jobs while demonstrating the commitment of QTS to local investment, workforce development and Wisconsin’s leadership in sustainable digital infrastructure.
“This partnership with QTS reflects our shared commitment to ensuring that the digital infrastructure our country depends on is built by the highly skilled union workers who live in the very communities it will serve,” said Tracey Griffith, Executive Director of the Building Trades Council of South Central Wisconsin. “When local union members are on the job, projects are built safely and with the exceptional skill and quality our workforce is known for. The economic benefits stay right here at home in Dane County—supporting families, strengthening neighborhoods, and driving long-term growth across Wisconsin. By formalizing this partnership, we are investing directly in our workers and in the economic vitality of the communities they call home.”
The Building Trades Council of South Central Wisconsin is comprised of 17 local building trades unions representing more than 6,000 building trades members who live and work in Wisconsin, including the North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters (NCSRCC), the Wisconsin Laborers’ District Council (LIUNA) and the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 139, all of which recently announced their support of the Dane County data center project.
“The QTS data center project means nearly a decade of steady work for LIUNA members right here in Dane County. Our training center is in DeForest, and this project keeps our members close to home—so they can earn family-supporting wages, be home for dinner, and still make it to their kids’ ballgames,” said Kent Miller, President and Business Manager of Wisconsin Laborers’ District Council. “That’s what union jobs are all about: dignity, family, and community. On top of that, QTS is stepping up with a $50 million community investment directly for Dane County. That’s not just building a data center—that’s building stronger communities. We’re ready to get to work.”
“Our joint effort is about more than technology, it’s about people,” said Ryan Hunter, Chief Operations Officer of QTS Data Centers. “It allows us to move forward with the full support of Wisconsin’s impressive skilled union workforce, building a campus that strengthens the economy, supports families and sustainably powers the digital infrastructure of the future.”
This partnership—which commits to using local skilled union workers to the fullest extent possible—is a key part of a broader commitment by QTS to Wisconsin and its communities, a commitment that also includes a planned $50 million Dane County community investment that will support education, workforce development and rural initiatives.
About QTS Data Centers
QTS is a global data center leader with unrivaled access to scalable infrastructure across North America and Europe. Powered by people and driven by purpose, QTS provides state-of-the-art data center solutions, robust connectivity and premium customer service to leading hyperscale technology companies, enterprises and government entities.
Let’s connect: qtsdatacenters.com | 877.QTS.DATA
About Building Trades Council of South Central Wisconsin
Building Trades Council of South Central Wisconsin is comprised of 17 local building trades unions representing more than 6,000 building trades members who live and work in our seven county area. Our members lead projects that generate local jobs and revenue while building community partnerships and helping to maintain our communities and infrastructure.
