Competition for services such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality and 5G is rapidly changing the way companies do business. But they’re also doing something else: transforming building demands and forcing organizations to reimagine the kinds of spaces they need most.
Thanks to emerging technology, the United States, and even the world, is on the cusp of a data center construction boom. According to AFCOM, construction of these mission-critical facilities is expected to increase sixfold by 2027. Case in point: 807.5 MW of new data center facilities came online alone during the first three months of 2024, representing year-on-year growth of 24.4%, CBRE says.
At the forefront of this revolution is Clune Construction, ranked as the 8th largest data center contractor in the US by Building Design + Construction. With a strong team of over 400 mission critical experts, Clune has been building data centers across the country for over two decades. The company’s steady growth mirrors that of its customers, many of whom are rapidly scaling to meet the growing demand for AI, cloud computing and other digital innovations.
“Clune’s mission-critical practice has grown exponentially,” says Dave Sitkowski, CEO. “Fifteen years ago, we were celebrating the victories of 2 MW or 3 MW, where we could have three or four people on a job. Now, we are taking on projects of up to 500 MW, which require teams of more than 50 professionals. This explosion. demand is happening in the US”
Creating long-term partnerships
Clune’s success in building data centers isn’t just about technical expertise; it’s also about the strong partnerships the company has built with its customers over the years. A hallmark of Clune’s business is its exceptionally high rate of repeat clients, a testament to the firm’s collaborative approach and long-term commitment to client success.
“We are proud of the fact that so many of our customers return to us again and again,” notes Sitkowski. “It’s about trust. We don’t just hand in a project and walk away. We become an extension of their team, learning their processes, understanding their challenges and working closely with them to ensure success.”
Deep bench of talent
As data center construction becomes more complex, Clune has strategically grown its talent pool, ensuring they have the expertise to meet customers’ evolving needs. From assistant project managers and project engineers to managing directors and senior team leaders, Clune’s data center practice has evolved to include a deep group of mission-critical professionals, all highly qualified to build these very sensitive facilities.
Sitkowski notes that Clune’s mission-critical division has developed a national footprint, with teams positioned in key markets such as Chicago, Dallas and Washington, DC. “We’ve grown with our customers as demand for data centers has skyrocketed, especially with the rise of AI and machine learning applications,” Sitkowski says. “It’s not just about technical expertise – we’ve invested heavily in building long-term, trusted relationships.”
Preparing talent for the future
Data center construction requires a distinct skill set that differs from other types of construction. To keep pace with the rapid advancements, Clune has invested in upskilling its employees, ensuring they are prepared for the unique demands of data center construction. This includes specialized training in:
- Electrical and mechanical systems
- Structural design and security systems
- Compliance and security protocols
In addition to technical skills, Clune emphasizes the importance of soft skills, such as communication and building trust with clients. “Data center customers want to know exactly who will be at their workplace every day and expect a deep level of trust,” explains Sitkowski. “We have worked hard to ensure our teams can meet these expectations.”
Growing with AI and beyond
As AI, virtual reality and 5G continue to reshape industries, the need for bigger, faster and more efficient data centers will only increase. Clune’s ability to adapt and scale with its customers positions the company as a leader in this evolving industry. By focusing on both the technical and human aspects of construction, Clune ensures that every project meets the highest standards of quality, safety and efficiency.
Brian Donahue, another managing director of Clune Construction, highlights Clune’s approach to workforce retention. “When you treat your people well, you retain the best talent. That continuity translates into operational excellence, improved quality and faster project delivery,” says Donahue. “Knowing that the same team that built your first data center is still there for the second and third builds confidence and ensures success.”
Quality without compromise
As Clune continues to expand its data center portfolio, the company remains committed to quality. Every project, no matter how complex, is an opportunity to refine processes, improve training and build lasting partnerships with clients. Clune’s mission-critical teams are well-prepared to meet the challenges of scaling AI infrastructure and digital capability.
“We’ve been fortunate to grow alongside our customers for 20 years,” says Sitkowski. “As they expand, we’re right there with them, providing the expertise and talent needed to build mission-critical facilities that support the future of business.”
