Richmond County Celebrates Historic $10 Billion Investment from Amazon Web Services
ROCKINGHAM, N.C. (June 4, 2025) — Richmond County leaders today announced that Amazon Web Services (AWS), a subsidiary of Amazon.com Inc., will invest an estimated $10 billion to build a new data center campus in the Hamlet-Rockingham area. The investment marks the largest single capital project in North Carolina’s history and is expected to generate at least 500 new high-skilled jobs over the next five years.
The AWS data campus will be located on nearly 800 acres in the Energy Way Industrial Park and will feature 20 data center buildings, each spanning approximately 200,000 to 225,000 square feet. This transformative project will expand Amazon’s AI infrastructure and strengthen the state’s leadership in cloud computing technologies.
“Their selection of the Energy Way Industrial Park represents the largest capital investment in the history of North Carolina and will serve as a catalyst to transform the local economy, provide high-paying jobs for our citizens and improve the quality of life for all residents,” said Rick Watkins, chairman of the Richmond County Board of Commissioners. “We stand ready to work together with AWS as they continue to build capacity and innovate their cloud computing platform. Working together, our possibilities are limitless.”
Martie Butler, Richmond County’s economic developer, described the announcement as a turning point for the region.
“Richmond County is thrilled to welcome Amazon to our community,” Butler said. “This monumental investment will not only bring new opportunities and jobs to our residents but will also transform the future of Richmond County and the Sandhills for generations to come. We are excited for the partnerships, progress and prosperity that lie ahead. Thank you, Amazon, for believing in Richmond County.”
North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein praised the move as a major win for the state’s growing technology sector.
“At a time when artificial intelligence is changing the way we work and innovate, North Carolina will stay at the front of the innovation landscape by attracting top technology companies like Amazon that support hundreds of good-paying jobs,” Stein said. “This investment will support thousands of jobs and provide a boost to Richmond County’s economy.”
David Zapolsky, Amazon’s chief global affairs and legal officer, said the investment underscores the company’s commitment to technological advancement and workforce development.
“Amazon’s $10 billion investment in North Carolina underscores our commitment to driving innovation and advancing the future of cloud computing and AI technology,” Zapolsky said. “This investment will position North Carolina as a hub for cutting-edge technology, create hundreds of high-skilled jobs, and drive significant economic growth. We look forward to partnering with state and local leaders, local suppliers, and educational institutions to nurture the next generation of talent.”
Decades of strategic planning and investment in our infrastructure are finally paying off. Richmond County is proud to welcome one of the largest and most recognizable companies in the world to our community. We've always known that our region had what it takes: robust infrastructure, strong transportation networks, and the right environment for business growth. Today, that vision becomes a reality as we boast the largest capex announcement in North Carolina’s history, right here in Richmond County, Bryan Land, Richmond County Manager.
In addition to job creation, Amazon’s investment includes significant support for local education and workforce development. Amazon is partnering with North Carolina community colleges, technical schools, and workforce organizations to deliver specialized training such as Data Center Operations, Fiber Optic Technician programs, and Fusion Splicing workshops.
The company is also expanding its STEM outreach through initiatives like “We Build It Better” and “Think Big Experiences” for K-12 students. Eight North Carolina high school seniors were recently named Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship recipients, each receiving up to $40,000 in scholarship funds and a paid internship with Amazon.
To further support the community, Amazon has established the Amazon Richmond County Community Fund with an initial commitment of $150,000. Individuals, schools, nonprofits, and local organizations can apply for grants of up to $10,000 to support community projects, with applications open through July 23, 2025.
This historic partnership positions Richmond County as a driving force in North Carolina’s tech sector, with benefits that will be felt for decades to come.
Media Contact:
Martie Butler
Economic Developer
Richmond County Government
910.997.8191
Martie.Butler@richmondnc.com
About Richmond County:
Richmond County is located in the heart of North Carolina’s Sandhills region. With its pro-business environment, skilled workforce, and strategic location, the county is committed to fostering economic growth, innovation, and a high quality of life for all residents.
About Amazon Web Services:
AWS is the world’s most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud provider. Millions of customers—including the fastest-growing startups, largest enterprises, and leading government agencies—are using AWS to lower costs, become more agile, and innovate faster. Its data centers support generative AI, cloud computing, and digital modernization for organizations around the globe.