Stockton-on-Tees is set to become a major centre for AI infrastructure, with technology firm Latos announcing plans for a state-of-the-art data centre at Preston Farm Industrial Estate. The development could create 150 skilled jobs and support 400 more in the local supply chain, reinforcing Teesside’s role in the UK’s growing AI economy.
The project, described as a “benchmark facility,” will house two commercial units designed to meet the demands of advanced computing. Features include substations, offices and welfare amenities, all engineered for urban and remote applications. The centre will deliver faster data processing, improved security, and greater storage—critical as demand for real-time digital services continues to grow.
Peter Wilcock, marketing director at Latos, said the centre’s Neural Edge technology would bring “extraordinary computational power” to the local level, enabling sub-millisecond response times for use cases such as autonomous vehicles and medical diagnostics. Unlike traditional centralised models, Neural Edge allows data to be processed where it is generated—boosting performance for applications that rely on speed and precision.
Designed with sustainability in mind, the Stockton site will include systems to store and repurpose excess power and heat, potentially benefiting the facility and the surrounding community through battery storage. This aligns with Latos’s wider commitment to environmentally responsible development.
The centre is part of Latos’s wider goal to build 40 AI-focused data centres across the UK by 2030. Its flagship site near Cardiff, powered entirely by renewable energy, is already under way and expected to deliver over 1,000 construction jobs and 200 permanent roles.
Latos’s Neural Edge centres are tailored for AI-heavy workloads, offering rapid deployment and high-capacity performance in locations close to where insights are needed. From healthcare and finance to media streaming and smart cities, sectors reliant on low-latency computing stand to benefit.
The Stockton development also includes plans for an AI Excellence Centre, which will train future neural network engineers and data scientists. This initiative supports the growth of local talent and enhances the region’s appeal as a hub for technological innovation. If approved, the project could act as a catalyst for further investment in the North East, drawing AI-focused firms looking to leverage next-generation computing infrastructure. It also underscores confidence in the area’s workforce and its role in the UK’s wider ambitions to lead in AI.
Latos’s investment reflects a blend of cutting-edge technology, sustainable development and community engagement—marking a strong step forward in building a national AI ecosystem that supports both regional regeneration and global competitiveness.
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