Powering the Digital Future: Top Data Center Construction Leaders and the Industry Growth Story Ahead

The data center construction sector stands at the center of one of the most powerful economic transformations of the 21st century. Fueled by cloud adoption, generative AI, big data analytics, and edge computing, demand for new, resilient, and scalable digital infrastructure shows no signs of slowing. As organizations across industries shift workloads to the cloud and build next-generation compute environments, the volume and complexity of data center construction are expanding rapidly.

Market forecasts reflect this evolution: the global data center construction market is projected to grow significantly over the next decade, with estimates suggesting it could nearly double or more by 2030 and beyond. One industry analysis forecasts that the global market will expand from ~$240–$270 billion in 2024 to roughly $456 billion by 2030, at an ~11.8% CAGR, driven by demand for cloud, AI, and IoT infrastructure. 

Against this backdrop, a cohort of construction and engineering firms is emerging as strategic leaders, delivering mission-critical facilities around the world. Below, we explore the top 10 companies shaping the data center construction landscape, along with their roles in enabling this next wave of growth.

1. HITT Contracting- U.S. Market Scale and Mission-Critical Expertise

A perennial leader in data center execution, HITT earns top marks for its ability to deliver complex builds on tight schedules. Its experience with hyperscale and enterprise clients positions it at the forefront of a sector set to expand amid rising cloud infrastructure investments. 

Growth lens: With construction demand accelerating, broad delivery capacity will remain a critical advantage.

2. Holder Construction Company- Precision and Risk-Managed Delivery

Holder stands out for a disciplined approach to quality control, safety, and detail-oriented execution attributes essential in mission-critical builds where downtime is unacceptable. 

Growth lens: As data centers become more technically demanding, Holder’s disciplined project control supports complexity without sacrificing speed.

3. DPR Construction- Innovation and Digital Delivery

DPR’s use of digital tools like BIM and virtual design positions it as a forward-leaning builder capable of navigating the increasing technical complexity of next-generation data centers. 

Growth lens: Digital workflows will be a differentiator as build programs scale and demand tighter coordination across systems.

4. Turner Construction Company- Global Reach + Mission-Critical Capability

Turner brings worldwide resources to large data center campuses and multi-phase delivery, supporting both hyperscale and enterprise portfolios. 

Growth lens: As international data center demand grows, especially in EMEA and APAC, global capability becomes a strategic differentiator.

5. Clayco- Speed and Design-Build Synergy

Clayco’s integrated design-build model supports accelerated delivery timelines, reducing friction between design and construction. 

Growth lens: Owners increasingly prize fast time-to-market, which strengthens Clayco’s competitive positioning.

6. Whiting-Turner Contracting Co.- Craft Quality and Controls

Known for strong project controls and robust on-site management, Whiting-Turner delivers reliable execution across large and complex facilities. 

Growth lens: Effective project controls mitigate risk and support consistent performance as construction volumes grow.

7. Fortis Construction- Power and MEP System Strength

Fortis shines in the electrical and mechanical systems that make data centers operationally robust, a critical aspect in power-intensive environments. 

Growth lens: Demand for advanced power distribution and cooling systems is rising with rack densities and AI workloads, reinforcing Fortis’s relevance.

8. JE Dunn Construction- Balanced General Contracting

JE Dunn brings a balanced, collaborative approach to data center projects, navigating complex builds with integrated teams. 

Growth lens: As data centers diversify in scale and location, flexible general contracting models help owners navigate evolving project requirements.

9. Mortenson- Sustainability and Integrated Delivery

Mortenson’s blend of construction management and preconstruction services makes it a strong partner for owners prioritizing efficiency and ESG outcomes. 

Growth lens: Sustainability and energy-efficient builds remain key drivers as owners seek to reduce carbon footprints alongside capacity expansion.

10. Collen Construction- European Infrastructure Specialist

Collen’s deep experience in Europe’s hyperscale and mission-critical markets spotlights regional leadership in an increasingly globalized industry. 

Growth lens: With APAC and EMEA markets ramping up capacity, regionally focused builders will find new pathways to expansion.

Why Construction Leadership Matters in a Growth Market

These ten companies are not just building facilities they are enabling digital transformation across sectors. As the global data center construction market continues its steep growth trajectory, firms with strong delivery models, technical depth, and scalable operations will capture the largest share of opportunity.

Market growth projections confirm the scale of this opportunity:

·       Global construction demand is expected to remain robust through 2030, with some forecasts predicting nearly doubling in total value driven by demand for cloud, AI, and digital services infrastructure. 

·       By 2030 and beyond, construction will increasingly incorporate sustainability imperatives, edge computing facilities, and next-generation power and cooling systems, requiring new skill sets and integrated delivery models. 

·       Even as broader nonresidential construction cools, data center construction spending is expected to outpace many other segments, representing a growing share of construction investment globally. 

Looking Ahead: Strategic Implications for Contractors and Owners

The data center boom is entering a maturation phase, balancing scale with disciplined execution and strategic workforce alignment. Firms that:

·       Invest in digital construction workflows,

·       build flexible, scalable labor models,

·       optimize for supply chain and sustainability objectives,

·       and maintain resilient project delivery systems

will be best positioned to lead in a market where reliability, performance, and speed matter as much as capacity.

As we look forward to the rest of the decade, the companies that can integrate these capabilities will define the next era of digital infrastructure.