Hitachi and Mission Critical Group (MCG), have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) establishing a strategic partnership focused on the joint development of solutions to expand Hitachi’s HMAX Data Centre portfolio, as well as the cross-selling of energy solutions and products
As demand for data centres rises globally, driven by AI adoption, extended lead times for electrical equipment have become a major bottleneck in data centre construction. As a solution, demand is increasing for modular data centres that standardise design, manufacturing, and testing processes in factory environments while reducing on-site construction and comissioning time. According to Hitachi’s analysis based on industry reports, the market is growing at an annual rate of about 20%.
MCG provides power distribtion equipment and power modules for data centres, primarily across North America and Hitachi provides power grids equipment, power distribution equipment, cooling systems, AI infrastructure for data centres and offers HMAX Data Centre as part of HMAX by Hitachi, a portfolio of next-generation solutions that utilise AI to transform social infrastructure.
Leveraging their complementary strengths and collaborating in the areas outlined below enables Hitachi and MCG to accelerate data centre deployment, improve operational performance, and deliver solutions that address growing market demand while expanding their businesses.
Delivery of end-to-end energy solutions spanning high-, medium-, and low-voltage systems
The companies’ respective data centre businesses provide complementary portfolios. Utilising their global customer bases, they will pursue cross-selling opportunities for products and solutions, as well as jointly develop modular data centre projects.
In the power infrastructure domain, Hitachi Energy and MCG aim to provide end-to-end energy solutions for data centre operators by combining their power infrastructure technologies, products, and solutions.
Joint development and deployment of solutions for HMAX Data Center portfolio expansion
The two will integrate Hitachi’s digital technologies, including data collection and AI analytics, into MCG’s modular power equipment, enabling connection to digital services immediately upon deployment at data centres.
They will also jointly develop solutions for data centres, utilising MCG’s expertise in power distribution and modular power equipment. Planned solution areas include equipment monitoring, AI-powered analytics, predictive maintenance, and optimisation of energy management. Through this collaboration, the companies will work to expand and enhance the HMAX Data Centre portfolio to enhance integrated operational efficiency across data centre facilities.
Introduction of solutions to advance MCG’s modular manufacturing expertise
By deploying digital and automation solutions from the Hitachi Group, including HMAX Industry, the companies aim to enhance manufacturing productivity and operational efficiency across MCG’s production facilities.
Jun Taniguchi, senior vice president and executive officer, CEO of Strategic SIB Business Unit, Hitachi, said, “As we enter the AI era, data centers must evolve to meet new demands as critical social infrastructure. Leveraging our unique strengths across energy, digital technologies, products, and operational expertise, Hitachi is working through HMAX to create a new operating model that optimizes infrastructure across the entire data center from the power grid to IT equipment. MCG is an ideal partner, with a broad customer base ranging from hyperscalers to colocation providers, as well as proven expertise and a strong track record in power and distribution systems. Through this partnership, we will combine the strengths of both companies to create new value across the entire data center lifecycle and contribute to the realization of sustainable and resilient social infrastructure that supports the AI era.”
Jeff Drees, CEO of Mission Critical Group, said, “AI is accelerating the need for data center infrastructure that is faster to deploy, more intelligent and built to perform at scale. By combining Hitachi’s global energy and digital capabilities with MCG’s expertise in modular power solutions and medium- and low-voltage infrastructure, we believe we can accelerate time-to-power while delivering greater visibility, efficiency, and reliability throughout the data center lifecycle.”
