Carrier is investing $600 million to build its largest-ever plant in Texas, producing cooling equipment for AI data centers. The facility responds to a more than 300% surge in data center orders during the second quarter of 2026, which pushed the company's backlog beyond $1 billion. Carrier also raised its 2026 data center sales forecast to $2 billion, up from $1.5 billion, as global sales to the sector doubled in 2025 to reach approximately $1 billion.
The new plant reflects Carrier's broader strategy to expand U.S. manufacturing capacity, following a May 2025 announcement of a $1 billion investment over five years focused on innovation and workforce development. Chief Executive David Gitlin highlighted Texas and Alabama as primary sites during the July earnings call. Despite the growth, the company's second-quarter adjusted operating margin declined 190 basis points to 17.2% year-over-year.
The investment coincides with Carrier's increased stake in Zuta Core, a specialist in liquid cooling technology, and leverages its "Quantum Leap" integrated thermal management system covering the path from chip to chiller.
Source: Wall Street Journal US Business · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing