Vantage, a leading data center operator owned by DigitalBridge, has achieved a significant milestone with the topping out of its first data center facility in Osaka, Japan. The KIX11 facility marks the beginning of the company’s expansion in the region, with plans for further growth at the KIX1 campus.
What is the KIX1 Campus and Its Strategic Importance?
The KIX1 campus, located in Osaka, Japan, spans 12 acres and is poised to become a key player in the region’s data center market. This project is strategically important for Vantage as it establishes a stronger footprint in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, which has seen increasing demand for data center capacity, driven by the expansion of cloud services, edge computing, and telecommunications infrastructure.
Once completed, the KIX1 campus will include two state-of-the-art buildings, offering a total of 68MW of IT capacity. The first facility, KIX11, will provide 28MW of IT capacity and is scheduled to be operational by early 2026.
Key Features of Vantage’s KIX1 Facility
The KIX11 facility will be equipped with cutting-edge infrastructure designed to meet the growing demands of enterprises and cloud providers. Notably, both buildings on the campus will utilize a closed-loop chilled water system, enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability—a growing concern for operators in the region.
Additionally, the campus’s design incorporates advanced security features and flexible space options to accommodate a range of client needs, from hyperscalers to enterprise businesses.
Construction and Partnerships: Taisei Corporation’s Role
Taisei Corporation, a renowned Japanese construction firm, is the primary contractor for the KIX1 project. The partnership highlights the commitment to quality construction and timely delivery, ensuring the campus meets the stringent requirements for data center operations.
Financial Moves Supporting Regional Expansion
Vantage has been actively strengthening its position in the APAC region. In late 2024, the company successfully issued its inaugural bonds in the APAC market through its subsidiary, PowerDC Holdco Pte. This financing bolstered its expansion efforts in Asia, and Vantage has since continued to secure additional loans to support its data center growth in Taiwan.
Vantage’s Expanding APAC Presence
Vantage first entered the APAC market in 2021 after the acquisition of PCCW’s data center business, merging it with AgileDC to form the foundation for its regional operations. The company now operates facilities in key locations including Cyberjaya, Malaysia, Hong Kong (On Lok, Kwai Chung, and Fo Tan), and Melbourne, Australia.
In addition to its investments in Japan and Taiwan, Vantage has recently secured €750 million ($813 million) in financing to further expand its data center footprint across the EMEA region, demonstrating a strong commitment to meeting the growing demand for data center services worldwide.
Competitive Landscape in Osaka
The Osaka data center market is highly competitive, with several major players already established in the region. Digital Realty, NTT, Digital Edge, CyrusOne, Colt, AirTrunk, Stack, Telehouse, and Equinix are among the key operators currently active in Osaka. Vantage’s KIX1 campus will add substantial capacity to the region, positioning the company as a strong competitor in this rapidly growing market.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the expected operational date for Vantage’s KIX11 facility?
The KIX11 facility at Vantage’s KIX1 campus in Osaka is scheduled to be operational by early 2026.
2. How much IT capacity will the KIX1 campus provide once fully completed?
Once fully operational, the KIX1 campus will provide 68MW of IT capacity across two buildings.
3. Who is the contractor responsible for constructing the KIX1 campus?
Taisei Corporation, a well-established construction firm in Japan, is the primary contractor for the KIX1 project.
4. How does Vantage’s KIX1 campus contribute to the data center market in Osaka?
Vantage’s KIX1 campus will increase the data center capacity in Osaka, offering 68MW of IT capacity and helping to meet the growing demand for cloud and edge computing services in the region.
5. What other regions does Vantage operate in?
In addition to Japan, Vantage operates data centers in Cyberjaya, Malaysia; Hong Kong (On Lok, Kwai Chung, and Fo Tan); and Melbourne, Australia.
