From Shutdown to Startup: How Madison’s New Data Center Can Spark Regional Growth

By Nicky Smith – 45+ Year Technology Veteran and Greensboro Business Owner

For over four decades, I’ve been fortunate to ride the waves of change in the technology world—from early mainframes to cloud computing and beyond. And today, one of the most exciting transformations is happening right here in our backyard: the rise of data centers as economic engines for communities like ours.

The recent announcement that Enovum Data Centers, a forward-thinking Canadian company, plans to invest $53.2 million in Madison, NC is more than just a real estate transaction—it’s a bold step toward a more connected, high-tech future for the Greensboro region and the greater Triad.

As the owner of a small 1,500-square-foot data center in downtown Greensboro, I’ve seen firsthand how even modest facilities can create skilled jobs, attract business, and expand digital infrastructure. Now imagine that multiplied on a regional scale.

A Huge Win for the Triad

Enovum’s entry into our market represents a significant opportunity for economic growth, particularly following the closure of Unifi’s plant in Madison earlier this year. That closure was a heavy loss, displacing 250 workers. But this new chapter can bring hope—and high-paying careers—to our region.

Data centers create jobs for a diverse range of professionals, including network engineers, system administrators, cybersecurity experts, and facilities managers. These aren’t just jobs—they’re careers with upward mobility in one of the fastest-growing industries in the world.

Enovum’s facilities are designed with flexibility and innovation in mind—from individual cabinets to hyperscale deployments—ensuring they can support clients from startups to major enterprises. Even better, their focus on transparency, with real-time utilization dashboards and 24/7 support, makes them a cutting-edge partner for the businesses they serve.

Building Infrastructure for Tomorrow

Bringing a major data center to Madison will also require expanding fiber optic infrastructure, enhancing broadband connectivity, and attracting major internet service providers. This creates a ripple effect of technological improvement across the region, benefiting schools, healthcare providers, and small businesses alike.

And Enovum is committed to sustainability. Their data centers operate on 100% renewable hydroelectric energy and utilize extensive free cooling systems, which help reduce their carbon footprint and maintain efficient power usage. In an era when environmental stewardship is crucial, they’re demonstrating that digital growth and green values can coexist.

A Challenge—and a Conversation

Of course, we must also be proactive. Data centers require a lot of electricity—both for powering servers and cooling them. That’s why Enovum’s deal is contingent on an energy capacity study, ensuring the site can support the operation without stressing the grid. This is a smart and responsible step.

What is needed now is an open dialogue between city leaders, utility providers, and economic development agencies to ensure that infrastructure investments keep pace with technological expansion. When done right, growth doesn’t strain a city—it strengthens it.

Why This Matters for Greensboro

This development isn’t just good for Madison—it’s good for all of us in Greensboro, High Point, and beyond. It’s a sign that our region is being recognized as a viable player in the global digital economy.

The jobs, infrastructure, and visibility brought by Enovum’s investment can catalyze further tech development, including start-ups, research centers, and clean tech businesses.

Let’s embrace this momentum. Let’s work together—city to city, county to county—to position the Triad as a true hub for innovation and digital opportunity.

The future is wired—and it might just run through Madison.