IBM has opened a new $30m manufacturing facility at its Poughkeepsie site to produce System z mainframes and high-end power systems servers.
The new 56,000-square-foot facility features include, a closed loop system that circulates chilled water throughout the facility for air conditioning, systems cooling and other functions; and thermodynamically-sound hot and cold aisles in the test area, placing systems front to front and back to back to maximise air flow and energy efficiency.
The new facility has a chilled water cooling capacity of 1,700 tons and uses localised system cooling through ‘Cool Blue’ Rear Door Heat eXchangers. This offering features a passive water-cooled door which mounts to the back of IBM systems to cool computer equipment exhaust air before it re-enters the data centre operating environment, IBM said.
The company said that the new plant is ergonomically designed and built with noise reduction, cleanliness and material handling features for an improved employee work environment. The facility is designed to use fans to intake cool air in the front and then exhaust hot air out the back of the system. The first products for customers are expected to roll off the assembly line later this year.
Mike Desens, senior location executive at IBM Systems & Technology Group, Poughkeepsie, said: The new manufacturing facility in Poughkeepsie reflects IBM innovation in the design, testing and assembly of its mainframes and high-end servers.
And it underscores our reliance on the skills and talents of our workforce, as well as a long-term commitment to a continuing presence in New York State and the Mid-Hudson Valley.
