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Why Harris Is the Data Center Partner of Choice

Author: Christopher Chewning, Construction Executive

The explosive growth of artificial intelligence has fueled an unprecedented demand for data centers. But building these large-scale facilities isn’t getting easier, especially as the latest trend pushes data centers into increasingly remote locations, far from major labor markets.

Harris has the experience and resources to handle all the challenges associated with getting these projects done on aggressive timelines.

The Challenge of Remote Regions

Data center developers are facing a paradox: the need to build faster and bigger, but often in places with limited skilled labor. The sites selected for new AI-focused data centers are frequently chosen for land availability, power access and cooling potential, not proximity to large construction workforces.

This has become one of the industry’s biggest hurdles. But at Harris, we’ve turned it into a strength.

We’ve built a reputation for delivering large, fast-paced mechanical projects in hard-to-reach regions. We don’t shy away from challenging geographies, in fact, we excel in them. Our ability to mobilize quickly, build strong partnerships with local unions and execute efficiently has made us a go-to contractor in this rapidly growing market.

Thanks to our proven track record, we’re not chasing data center work, it’s chasing us. Developers and general contractors are seeking partners who can commit, deliver and meet aggressive timelines. Our ability to commit and deliver on our promises is built on decades of expertise and strategic investment.

OneHarris: Self-Performing, Fully Integrated

What sets Harris apart is how much we do under one roof. While some contractors outsource their fabrication, BIM or controls work, sometimes even overseas, we keep everything in-house.

This OneHarris model means we control our own destiny. Our fabrication shops, design studios and BIM/VDC teams are aligned, experienced and in constant communication. That coordination makes us faster, more responsive and more adaptable to changes in scope, schedule or supply chain realities.

From prefabrication and modularization to energy-efficient design and controls integration, we’re not cobbling together solutions, we’re delivering a unified system. That’s exactly what today’s AI data centers need: speed, precision and consistency.

Built for Scale, Speed and Certainty

Most data center mechanical systems aren’t overly technically complex, it’s the scale and speed that make these projects uniquely demanding. The difference between success and chaos often comes down to three things: experience, planning and execution. Harris brings all three.

Harris excels at using our fully integrated Design Studio to develop modular solutions and complete constructability reviews for every data center project.  Our team of engineers has developed design prototypes for major data center providers, helping shave time off future builds and making their program more efficient and constructable.

For more mature programs where preconstruction and design review isn’t requested, we optimize the schedule by utilizing our prefab capabilities to produce and stage materials precisely in line with project schedules. And our internal culture of urgency means we don’t just hit deadlines; we build schedules around never missing them.

On many of our data center projects, the schedule isn’t just aggressive, it’s already in motion when we step on site. Our team doesn’t just keep up; we help lead the pace.

Being a union contractor gives us a national advantage, particularly when it comes to building in more remote areas. Our longstanding relationships with local unions across the country allow us to assemble experienced crews, even in small labor markets. Combined with our internal training pipeline and field mentorship programs, we’re able to build the right crews for every project fast.

We also know how to balance veteran field talent with up-and-coming tradespeople, fostering knowledge transfer while keeping productivity high. It’s why we’re trusted to lead. Our people don’t just clock in, they compete, collaborate and drive toward results. That’s the Harris difference.

Prefab and Modular: The AI Era Essentials

Modularization isn’t a buzzword in the AI-driven data center space, it’s a necessity. These projects demand precision, repeatability and speed, all while navigating supply chain volatility and tight jobsite logistics.

Our prefab teams have mastered the art of sequencing fabrication to align with construction schedules. Whether it’s skids, piping assemblies or modular HVAC systems, our shop output is tightly integrated with our field crews, eliminating delays and rework.

And when problems arise, as they always do, we don’t just raise flags. We solve them. We act as translators between vendors and GCs, keeping everyone informed and aligned. That transparency builds trust and keeps momentum on our side.

Ahead of the Curve: Planning for What’s Next

A big part of Harris’ success in the data center market comes from how far ahead we think. We’re not just planning for the next install, we’re mapping out future phases, equipment lead times and design challenges months in advance.

By bringing in our foremen and PMs early in the process, we’re able to stress-test plans, identify bottlenecks and suggest smart changes. Our design and field teams aren’t siloed, they’re in sync. That collaboration leads to smarter sequencing, clearer communication and better outcomes for our clients.

Why Clients Keep Coming Back

Our clients don’t just appreciate our resources and horsepower, they value our honesty. Even when they don’t fully grasp the technical details, they trust that we’ve got a handle on them. We share what we know. We flag what’s coming. We keep lines open.

That transparency has built strong relationships, and those relationships have built our reputation. We’ve completed projects others couldn’t finish. We’ve taken on risk to keep clients whole. We’ve committed when others have hesitated, and we’ve delivered.

Internally, Harris feels more like a team than a company. The field isn’t overlooked. The shop isn’t invisible. Everyone matters, contributes and has a voice.

We give credit where it’s due. We innovate not because it’s required, but because it’s how we’re wired. From the design floor to the fab shop to the final install, everyone is focused on the same thing: doing the job right and doing it together.

That culture isn’t easy to build. But it’s the reason we deliver the extra 10%. It’s the reason we finish what we start.

Delivering Certainty in a Fast-Moving Market

In a sector defined by speed, scale and constant change, Harris delivers what matters most: certainty. Certainty in schedule. Certainty in scope. Certainty in partnership.

The data center market isn’t slowing down. And neither are we. If you’re looking for a mechanical contractor who knows how to build anywhere, meet impossible timelines and do it all without losing sight of what matters, we’re ready.

Because at Harris, delivering big in tough places isn’t new. It’s just what we do.