MARYLAND (WBFF) — A supplier in the fast-growing data center space has decided to stay in Maryland for a major expansion that’s expected to create 160 jobs over five years.

Hanover-based PwrQ, which makes systems that connect electricity from utilities to data centers, renewable energy plants and other customers, said Tuesday it plans to expand its headquarters and manufacturing plant after exploring out-of-state options.

The company chose Maryland over locations, such as Virginia, because of the availability of labor and financial assistance from the county and state, Osman Ashai, CEO of PwrQ, said in an interview. A personal phone call from Gov. Wes Moore sealed the deal, he said.

“I think he’s made a really strong case to bring data center-related businesses to Maryland,” said Ashai, whose company counts hyper-scaled data centers all over the country as customers. “Maryland is an up-and-coming neighborhood for data centers.”

Read the full story on the Baltimore Sun.