Microsoft halts construction on portions of the $3.3B Mount Pleasant campus

Microsoft halts construction on portions of the $3.3B Mount Pleasant campus

  • 19.03.2025 19:36
  • cbs58.com
  • Keywords: Construction Pause, Economic Impact

Microsoft has paused construction on two expansion sites of its $3.3 billion data center in Mount Pleasant, though it remains on track for the main facility's 2026 opening. The company says such pauses are not unusual and unrelated to economic challenges from trade wars.

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Estimated market influence

Microsoft

Microsoft

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Analyst rating: Strong buy

Halted construction on two expansion sites but remains on track for main data center opening in 2026.

Foxconn

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Analyst rating: N/A

Failed to fulfill job and economic development promises despite Trump's support.

Context

Analysis of Microsoft's Construction Halt at Mount Pleasant Campus

  • Construction Halt: Microsoft has paused construction on two expansion sites of its $3.3 billion data center in Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin.
  • Project Timeline: The first phase began in January 2024 and is still scheduled to open by the end of 2026; however, early work for the second phase has been halted.
  • Reasoning: Microsoft stated that the pause is due to reviewing plans for future phases, considering changes in technology, and evaluating project scope adjustments.
  • Commitments: The company has purchased over 1,900 acres in Mount Pleasant and remains committed to creating more than 2,000 union construction jobs by 2025.
  • Foxconn Comparison: Microsoft took over Foxconn's troubled LED factory site, which had initially promised 13,000 jobs but failed to materialize. Foxconn now employs approximately 1,000 people in the area.

This strategic pause highlights potential shifts in project planning and technological advancements, while Microsoft continues to advance its infrastructure development.