Submer Group, which brings together companies specialized across the entire AI infrastructure chain—from ground and energy to cloud and edge—has announced an investment exceeding €1 billion in the former Ercros plant in Flix (Catalonia) to develop a cutting-edge, sustainable AI data center.
The new facility will be focused on driving investment in new AI applications and services, providing the physical infrastructure needed for large-scale AI computing. The project includes the development of energy, ground, cooling, and buildings required to run next-generation computing applications.
With this infrastructure in Catalonia, the project aims to meet the growing demands of European sovereign AI infrastructure while also strengthening the region’s digital economy.
Rubix Data Centers will develop and operate the facility
The data center will be developed and operated by Rubix Data Centers, a subsidiary of Submer Group specializing in the development and management of AI data centers. The project was announced on Saturday, July 11th, during an official event led by Catalonia’s President, Salvador Illa, accompanied by the Minister of Business and Employment, Miquel Sàmper.
Rubix will apply its development and operation model, whereby the facility will be built and subsequently managed by the company under agreed service levels for a long-term client. It will be led by an executive team with decades of experience in executing large-scale data centers.
Additionally, the data center has been designed with high-efficiency liquid cooling technology and will not require water consumption during operations.
A project linked to Flix’s reindustrialization
The initiative has been signed within the framework of reindustrialization tables—working groups created to facilitate new uses for old industrial plants—and is supported by the Department of Business and Employment of the Catalan government.
The development is planned in two phases, and once completed, is expected to create up to 150 permanent jobs in areas such as operations and maintenance, critical facility engineering, site management, security, on-site services, and operational support.
Patrick Smets highlights Submer Group’s commitment to Flix
Submer Group CEO Patrick Smets has expressed pride in contributing to Flix’s reindustrialization and positioning Spain as a leader in AI infrastructure development.
“As a European company, we are proud to help reindustrialize Flix and position Spain as a key player in AI infrastructure development. Flix has a strong industrial legacy and is where our vision for AI infrastructure can start to take shape.
As demand accelerates, we will expand our activities across the entire chain—from ground and energy to cloud and edge—building where we can create the most lasting value. Revitalizing this site for productive use through infrastructure designed for durability and long-term local collaborations aligns perfectly with the kind of initiative we want to be recognized for.”
Rubix Data Centers reaffirms its long-term commitment
Meanwhile, Rubix Data Centers CEO John Eland emphasized the permanent nature of the Flix project.
“Our intention is to operate the facility we are building in Flix, so this isn’t just about developing the project and leaving. Our commitment to Flix is long-term. We will work closely with the local community and authorities, contributing to the creation of skilled jobs as the site transitions to productive use.”
