200 new jobs on the way for Dundalk

Equinix Inc, the world’s digital infrastructure company, has announced today that it is committing USD $700M to Dundalk company Hanley Energy, in a deal that will create an initial 200 new jobs in the town.

Equinix, in the presence of An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, today announced that it is committing USD $350 million, up to a landmark USD $700 million, to support the construction of a 150,000 sq. ft. advanced manufacturing facility by Hanley Energy.

The new facility, located in Dundalk, will serve as a global hub for manufacturing specialized power equipment essential for Equinix’s high performance data centers and AI-driven workloads. The deal covers an initial 5-year period, extendable to 10 years, with a minimum of USD $70 million from Equinix annually, underscoring it said, its long-term commitment to Ireland and the country’s role in Equinix’s global operations.

The partnership with Hanley Energy, which was recently acquired by the American multinational manufacturing company, Jabil, will create hundreds of new roles. Hiring for the Hanley factory has already commenced for an initial 200 engineers and technicians, focused on precision engineering, quality assurance, and lean manufacturing. Apprenticeship and training programs will also be introduced to build future-ready talent in the Louth region. 

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By co-locating production under one roof, Equinix expects to achieve 10–15% faster lead times compared to traditional procurement methods. The facility will manufacture low-voltage switchgear, Power Distribution Units (PDUs), and Remote Power Panels (RPPs), all critical components for reliable and efficient power distribution in data centers worldwide. 

The building of the new facility, by Hanley Energy, will prioritise low-carbon materials and efficient construction practices. The facility will feature a temperature-controlled testing laboratory – the only one of its kind in Ireland or the UK – which will enable equipment to undergo rigorous endurance and environmental tests.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: "This significant announcement reinforces Ireland’s position as a leader in digital infrastructure and advanced manufacturing. The creation of hundreds of skilled jobs and the introduction of world-class facilities in Dundalk is a major boost for the region and for our national economy."

Adaire Fox-Martin, CEO and President, Equinix, said: "This investment builds upon Equinix’s longtime presence in Ireland and reflects the strategically important role the country plays in the global technology ecosystem. Our expansion in Dundalk further strengthens our ability to meet growing customer demand while creating local jobs and supporting the community."

Peter Lantry, Managing Director, Equinix Ireland, said: "This is a huge win for Ireland and the Louth region – highlighting the world class engineering talent that Ireland continues to develop. By securing our supply chain and investing in local manufacturing, we’re not only accelerating delivery but also creating hundreds of high-skilled jobs. 

"Importantly, we remain committed to Ireland, continuing to invest and grow our presence here. This reinforces our long-term presence and ensures we can meet the growing demand for digital infrastructure worldwide."

Hanley Energy delivers seamless integration from design to manufacturing under one roof, backed by proven expertise in engineering and testing. The new state-of-the-art facility includes Ireland and the UK’s only independent temperature rise test lab certified by Intertek as an Enhanced Level 3 SATELLITE™ Customer Testing Facility. This capability ensures compliance and performance at the highest global standards.

John O’Driscoll, CEO, Hanley Energy, said: "Partnering with Equinix on this transformative project highlights the strength of Irish engineering and innovation. Our advanced testing facilities and expertise will ensure that the equipment produced here meets the highest global standards, supporting data centers worldwide."

Michael Lohan, CEO, IDA Ireland, said: “Today’s announcement by Equinix demonstrates Ireland’s continued attractiveness as a location for digital infrastructure, advanced manufacturing and global technology partnerships.  This initiative is set to deliver significant economic benefits and high-value jobs in Dundalk and the wider region.”