The former Qimonda semiconductor plant in eastern Henrico County continues to be transformed into a high-tech operation of a different type. Quality Technology Services, an Overland Park, Kan.-based company that acquired the 1.3 million-sq ft facility in a bankruptcy court auction in 2010, has invested more than US$100 million to date to turn what was once a icrochip plant into a data centre.

The company has completed the first phase of a multiyear plan to refurbish the plant as a secure storehouse for vast amounts of data. So far, it has leased about 50,000 sq ft to clients for data storage. "We are about a full year ahead of plan," said Chad Williams, the company's CEO, in an interview y during an official dedication event for the centre. About 200 QTS employees and local and state officials, including Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling, attended the dedication. The plant has three data center buildings that will be developed in phases as new clients come on board. Some prospective clients attended the dedication and toured the building.

Source: Richmond Times Dispatch