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The Hidden Industries Behind Pittsburgh's Data Centers

Interview by Jonathan Kersting

TechVibe

What do abandoned industrial sites, precast concrete and cutting-edge cooling technology have in common? They're all helping build the future of data centers in Pennsylvania!

Billions of dollars in proposed data center investments are putting Pennsylvania in the spotlight. But behind the headlines is an enormous ecosystem of manufacturers, engineers, construction companies and technology innovators making it all possible.

In this special edition of TechVibe Radio, we're bringing together three fascinating conversations from the Pittsburgh Technology Council's Empire of Lights podcast series, presented with Babst Calland and Comcast Business.

You'll hear from:

  • Kenneth Birkenstock, Nittany Digital Infrastructure, on how Pennsylvania's stranded industrial infrastructure, including former steel mills and power plants, could become prime locations for next-generation data centers.

  • Marshall Sorensen, Metromont, on why precast concrete is transforming data center construction and why speed to market has become a critical competitive advantage.

  • Chris Massetti, Donwil, on the sophisticated cooling technologies keeping AI infrastructure running efficiently while addressing concerns about water consumption.

From repurposing yesterday's industrial sites to building tomorrow's digital infrastructure, these conversations reveal how Western Pennsylvania's manufacturing heritage could become a powerful advantage in the AI economy.

The region that helped power the electrical revolution may be uniquely positioned to help power the digital revolution.

Discover the people, companies and technologies behind Pennsylvania's next industrial chapter in this special TechVibe Radio edition of Empire of Lights.