Modine Manufacturing Co. is making a strategic expansion in the United Kingdom to meet the burgeoning demand for data center cooling systems, a move that underscores the growing importance of thermal management in the tech industry. The Racine-based company has acquired a substantial 14.6-acre site in Bradford, U.K., where it plans to ramp up the production of its Airedale by Modine precision cooling equipment.
This new acquisition is part of Modine’s broader strategy to enhance its production capabilities globally. Recently, the company has also expanded its operations in Calgary, Canada, and opened a new facility in Allen, Texas, dedicated to developing advanced liquid immersion cooling technologies for hyperscale customers in North America. These expansions are driven by the increasing needs of data centers, which require sophisticated cooling solutions to handle the immense heat generated by modern computing processes.
The Bradford site, boasting 312,000 square feet of existing manufacturing space, will be utilized to produce and test a range of cooling solutions, including computer room air handlers and fan walls. Additionally, the site will house office spaces and warehouses, further solidifying its role as a key production hub. Modine anticipates that the facility will start rolling out its first Airedale units by the end of 2024.
This expansion is not just a growth strategy for Modine but also a significant boon for the local economy. The company expects to create over 200 highly skilled jobs in production and sales support over the next three to five years. This will likely have a positive impact on local employment and skill development.
Adrian Trevelyan, Modine’s Managing Director for Data Centers in EMEA, highlighted the critical nature of this expansion. He noted that having available plant capacity is essential as data center operators are increasingly planning their expansions in advance and securing production slots to support their growth.
With this move, Modine is set to increase its overall production capability by 150% between its new Bradford facility and an existing site in Leeds, which will concentrate on chiller production. This strategic positioning allows Modine to better serve its key customers in Europe and beyond, ensuring that it remains a leader in the precision cooling market amid rapid industry growth.