Initial US$215 million investment supports local employment, technology career pathways and environmental stewardship.
ELK GROVE VILLAGE, Ill. — Oct. 29th, 2026 — Equinix, Inc. (Nasdaq: EQIX), the world's digital infrastructure company®, today highlighted the economic and community impact of its initial US$215 million investment in CH5, an International Business Exchange™ (IBX®) data center in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. The facility further strengthens Equinix's established presence in the Chicago metropolitan area, creating economic opportunities and supporting local services and initiatives focused on education, workforce development, and environmental stewardship.
“CH5 is the latest chapter in our decades-long relationship with Elk Grove Village. With their support, we have built a state-of-the-art facility that will help businesses of all kinds keep up with what their customers need in today’s digital world and create real economic growth for Elk Grove Village and the Chicagoland area,” said Guy Danskine, Managing Director, United States -West, at Equinix. “We know being a good neighbour requires more than that. We’re committed to serving Elk Grove Village for generations to come by listening to local priorities, creating long-term, local career opportunities, and supporting projects that help this community thrive. Thank you to Elk Grove Village’s leaders and residents for your trust and collaboration.”
Investing in Elk Growth Village economic growth responsibly
CH5 is Equinix’s sixth data center in the region, where the company has been operating since 2001. The facility has created approximately 150 local jobs during construction and expects to support up to 50 permanent, directly employed workers, adding to Equinix’s more than 200 employees across Illinois. CH5 is expected to feature more than 190,000 square feet of colocation space at full buildout.
As part of its approach to protecting natural resources, Equinix’s CH5 features state-of-the-art air-cooling technology, requiring no routine water consumption for cooling operations. Equinix’s Elk Grove Village campus also has a beehive initiative located on the rooftop of its CH3 data center, adjacent to CH5. The beehives help support local biodiversity and pollination while providing employees with opportunities to learn about bees and their role in the environment.
“Equinix has been part of Elk Grove Village for more than 25 years, and this facility means they’ll keep helping us grow our economy the right way. That means funding local priorities and creating good-paying jobs right here in Elk Grove Village, without placing a strain on community resources. I’m proud Elk Grove Village is helping set the standard for how communities and data centers work together", said Craig B. Johnson, mayor of Elk Grove Village.
Partnering to support Elk Grove Village for generations
Equinix's community engagement in Illinois extends beyond the construction and operation of its facilities, encompassing investments in future data center innovation, workforce development, and local heritage.
To support the future of data center sustainability, Equinix partners with mHub, a Chicago-based hard tech incubator. Through financial contributions and employee volunteerism, Equinix plans to support emerging entrepreneurs developing next-generation solutions to advance sustainability within data centers for years to come.
In addition to driving sustainable innovation, Equinix works to expand access to careers in the digital infrastructure industry. Since 2023, Equinix and the Equinix Foundation have partnered with Chicago-based nonprofit, i.c.stars, to expand access to careers in technology and digital infrastructure. To date, the partnership has provided US$27,000 in funding and connected learners with Equinix through data center tours, career panels, resume reviews and other career development opportunities. The Equinix Foundation is now deepening the relationship with an additional US$75,000 multi-year grant commitment to launch a new digital infrastructure career pathway, aimed at creating more direct pathways to careers in the industry.
Through Equinix’s Pathways to Tech program, nearly 250 i.c.stars learners have been introduced to career opportunities in digital infrastructure and at Equinix. Three have progressed from internships to full-time roles at Equinix, with three additional learners recently beginning Equinix internships.
“Since 2023, our partnership with Equinix has introduced nearly 250 emerging technology professionals to careers in digital infrastructure, with participants moving from internships into full-time roles. As Equinix continues to expand its presence in Illinois, i.c.stars is proud to deepen our collaboration through a new Digital Infrastructure Residency Pathway that will equip our local talent with the skills, experiences, and connections needed to succeed in this growing industry”, said Meighan Newhouse, CEO of i.c.stars. “Equinix’s investment in our 2029 plan demonstrates how investments in technology and people go hand in hand, creating stronger talent pipelines for employers and lasting economic opportunity for Illinois communities.”
Alongside workforce development and technology innovation, Equinix honors local heritage through financial support to restore the veterans’ cemetery in Elk Grove Village, reflecting a shared commitment to a community where military veterans represent approximately 7.5% of Equinix’s U.S. workforce.
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About Equinix
Equinix, Inc. (Nasdaq: EQIX) shortens the path to boundless connectivity anywhere in the world. Its digital infrastructure, data center footprint and interconnected ecosystems empower innovations that enhance our work, life and planet. Equinix connects economies, countries, organizations and communities, delivering seamless digital experiences and cutting-edge AI—quickly, efficiently and everywhere.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from expectations discussed in such forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such differences include, but are not limited to, risks to our business and operating results related to the current inflationary environment; foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations; stock price fluctuations; increased costs to procure power and the general volatility in the global energy market; the challenges of building and operating IBX® and xScale® data centers, including those related to sourcing suitable power and land, and any supply chain constraints or increased costs of supplies; the challenges of developing, deploying and delivering Equinix products and solutions; unanticipated costs or difficulties relating to the integration of companies we have acquired or will acquire into Equinix; a failure to receive significant revenues from customers in recently built out or acquired data centers; failure to complete any financing arrangements contemplated from time to time; competition from existing and new competitors; the ability to generate sufficient cash flow or otherwise obtain funds to repay new or outstanding indebtedness; the loss or decline in business from our key customers; risks related to our taxation as a REIT; risks related to regulatory inquiries or litigation; and other risks described from time to time in Equinix filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In particular, see recent and upcoming Equinix quarterly and annual reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, copies of which are available upon request from Equinix. Equinix does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking information contained in this press release.
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