Data center will be part of the community

The data center planned for Forssa will bring hundreds of jobs and significant economic impacts to the area. QTS, the operator of the data center, wants to be an active part of the local community and build long-term, responsible collaboration. Social Responsibility Director Rita Patel Miller answered our questions.

One of the largest data centres in Europe is being planned for Forssa. What will this investment mean in concrete terms for Forssa and its residents – in the short and long term?

The development of this project could serve as a catalyst for building a vibrant digital technology ecosystem in Forssa. By attracting technology and infrastructure companies to the areas they are located, data centres can foster innovation, generate high-skilled opportunities, and stimulate further investment in the local economy. The ongoing operation of the campus would also create lasting demand for services such as maintenance, security, and facilities management, supporting a diverse range of local businesses and suppliers.

We often talk about induced employment opportunities within the local economy which arise from the household spending of employees working directly at the data centre or indirectly for its suppliers. These induced jobs create a "community feedback loop" or ripple effect, where the wages earned by data centre personnel and vendors circulate throughout the surrounding area. This, in turn, boosts businesses in various sectors such as retail, housing, hospitality, healthcare, and finance.

What kind of direct and indirect employment impacts do you estimate the data centre will have? What types of expertise will be particularly needed in Forssa and the surrounding region?

We are committed to recruiting from the local area wherever possible, prioritising the local community for interviews and working with contractors to establish a local workforce. Creating a data centre campus will bring direct and indirect employment opportunities, both during the construction of the facility and its ongoing operation. 

Data centre construction requires a diverse range of trade jobs, primarily focused on high-precision mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems. Electricians are one of the most critical trades for data centres. They install high-voltage (HV) power distribution, transformers, switchgear, backup generators and Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems. 

Data centre construction and operation also require even more highly-skilled jobs such as Data & Cabling Technicians, HVAC Technicians and Pipefitters. This is only a limited view of the types of jobs data centres employ. QTS is planning to host a ‘Meet the Buyer’ Event in late summer for local contractors to learn more about QTS and express their interest in working on the project. During this meeting we will go into detail on the types of jobs and suppliers needed to help support this data centre development. 

The core idea of QTS’s community engagement program is to give back to the communities where the company operates. How would this be reflected in practice in Forssa? What kinds of actions or partnerships could this involve?

QTS is committed to being a good neighbour in the communities where we operate. This positive community impact is in our DNA. In addition to our financial support, we want to be genuinely involved, sharing time, knowledge and experiences with people and communities who need it. Our goal is to support local initiatives and build strong, long-term partnerships. 

We're currently building our relationships in Forssa and will have more to announce in the coming months. As an example, in Spain we've started collaborating with organizations dedicated to supporting people in vulnerable situations - Aldeas Infantiles SOS and Hermandad del Refugio. 

In the UK, QTS has established a programme called 'Better Together' and partners with local mental health charity Anxious Minds to expand mental health services across the region. As part of the 'Better Together' mission in the UK, which brought people together through sport, QTS also provided financial support to local football teams Blyth Spartans AFC and Ashington AFC to help the clubs enhance their facilities and strengthen their role within the community.

How does QTS collaborate with local educational institutions, associations, and businesses in new locations – and could this lead to, for example, training or internship programs for young people in Forssa?

The jobs and skills opportunities created by a data centre campus would span educational attainment levels, providing opportunities to both reskill for individuals who have worked in other industrial sectors and early career training opportunities for those new to the workforce.

The QTS social impact model is rooted in upskilling local communities and collaborating with higher education institutions to nurture the next generation of technologists, engineers and industry leaders. 

In Finland, QTS seeks to establish opportunities for students to thrive in digital infrastructure careers to support the burgeoning demand for data centre talent. We're already engaging with local training organizations, such as the University of Applied Science and the FAI vocational college in Forssa.

We're also developing pre-employment initiatives, looking to build a talent pipeline through outreach to schools, and developing programs to help those who are unemployed find work. We are in the process of formulating a social value pledge with clear deliverables and commitments in place.

Across Europe, QTS is establishing strong and meaningful links with primary schools, secondary schools, technical colleges, and universities. 

For example, in the UK and following the creation of 'AI Growth Zones', QTS aligned closely with Newcastle University, Durham University, Sunderland University and Northumbria University as the UK’s newest emerging tech hub continues to develop.

Additionally, in Spain, QTS is similarly in close dialogue with the University of Zaragoza to implement impactful programs that provide long-term benefits to students in the Aragon region

Data centres often raise questions about energy consumption and environmental impact. How does QTS address sustainability and environmental responsibility in the Forssa project?

We take our environmental stewardship very seriously. In all our global developments we aim to create a biodiversity net gain through preservation of key habitats and off-and on-site biodiversity enhancements. As part of this project, 100 hectares of city-owned forests will also be protected. 

Additionally, the project will use a closed-loop cooling system, an industry-leading technology that conserved nearly 5.6 billion litres of water in 2024, and the data centre buildings will also integrate LEED-certified building designs. Each building will include EV charging stations, further supporting sustainable mobility and reducing the project’s overall footprint.

As we move through the process, our plans must also meet or exceed city and country environmental, health and safety standards. We’re also evaluating a range of additional environmental partnerships. 

The project is highly unlikely to impact local electricity prices given the interconnected nature of electricity grids across the Nordics.

Large-scale projects also raise concerns and questions. How does QTS intend to engage with the people of Forssa and build trust within the local community?

We build facilities that communities can rely on for decades - not just in Finland but globally. In the places we eventually call home - like Forssa - we engage, listen and collaborate with local people to ensure our developments bring long-term benefits. We hold regular meetings and maintain open and consistent dialogue with the community.

Looking five or ten years ahead, how would you hope to see QTS’s role in Forssa – not only as an employer, but as part of the community?

As demand for digital infrastructure grows, QTS remains focused on being a good neighbour and building lasting partnerships in Forssa. Our commitment is very clear: put communities first, build responsibly, invest locally and earn trust every day.

As digital infrastructure becomes more essential, we will continue working alongside the people of Forssa to build a future that works for everyone. 

Follow the progress of the project on QTS's website.