Amazon Data Centers Fuel Aragón Economic Growth
Amazon’s expansion of its data center operations in Aragón since 2022 has generated more than just technological infrastructure for the region, according to a new independent study. The research, conducted by GfK as part of NielsenIQ at the request of Amazon Web Services, found that the Spanish data center infrastructure is driving revenue growth, job creation, and new business opportunities for local companies, both within Spain and internationally.
Economic Impact and Revenue Growth
The study reveals that 85% of local suppliers working with AWS report positive effects on their businesses, with no suppliers citing negative impacts. More than half of these suppliers have increased their revenues since partnering with the tech giant, with an average growth of 35% among those experiencing benefits. This contrasts with a 26% average increase for non-suppliers in the same industries. Profit margins have also risen, with 53% of suppliers noting improved net profits compared to 33% of non-suppliers.
Jaime Valimañas, CEO of GILVA, a Teruel-based concrete prefabrication company, highlighted the transformation: “In just three years, our revenue tied to AWS projects has grown more than sixfold, and we’ve added about 15% to our staff. For a family business like ours, it’s a milestone and a significant opportunity to grow alongside an international company investing in Aragón.”
Amazon has committed €33.7 billion to expand its infrastructure in Spain through 2035, with an estimated €31.7 billion contributing to Spain’s GDP and supporting the equivalent of 29,900 full-time annual jobs through direct, indirect, and induced effects.
Employment and Workforce Development
The employment impact of AWS’s presence in Aragón is particularly pronounced. Nearly 60% of AWS suppliers have expanded their workforce, compared to 41% of non-suppliers. On average, approximately 1 of every 5 employees in surveyed companies works on AWS-related projects, a significant portion of the employment structure in these firms.
Javier Giral, CEO of Giral Excavaciones y Obras in Huesca, noted the direct benefits: “Thanks to AWS data center construction projects, our revenue grew nearly 22%, and we added 25% more staff—from 24 to 30 employees. These figures reflect the positive impact AWS brings to our territory.”
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José María Alzaga, director general of Gotor Comunicaciones, emphasized the broader effects: “Working with AWS has opened opportunities to grow, create jobs, and develop expertise in data centers. The value lies in the talent and knowledge retained here, strengthening Aragón’s business ecosystem.”
Expansion of Business Opportunities
Twenty-two percent of AWS suppliers have launched at least one new business line, compared to 9% of non-suppliers. Among international suppliers, 21% attribute their global expansion to AWS partnerships. Additionally, 12% of local suppliers have expanded or are expanding their operations to other AWS regions worldwide, demonstrating the global reach of the expertise gained in Aragón.
Sustained Growth and Stability
Looking ahead, 75% of AWS suppliers expect growth in the next two to three years, compared to 30% of non-suppliers. This optimism is supported by increased stability, with 27% of suppliers reporting improved financial and operational stability since partnering with AWS. Furthermore, 30% of suppliers feel more confident and flexible in their business decisions, a sentiment less common among non-partners.
Eva Valle, consejera de Economía, Competitividad y Empleo del Gobierno de Aragón, commented: “El verdadero valor de una inversión como la de AWS reside en cómo se extiende por nuestra economía: en las pequeñas y medianas empresas que están creciendo, contratando y asumiendo nuevos proyectos gracias a ella. Nuestro objetivo es que esta revolución tecnológica llegue a cada rincón de Aragón, para que ninguna empresa se quede atrás y toda nuestra región sea más competitiva y productiva.”
Suzana Curic, Country Leader de AWS para España y Portugal, added: “Cuando invertimos en infraestructura en Aragón, el beneficio no se queda en nuestros centros de datos: se multiplica en el tejido empresarial de la región. En Aragón, la mayoría de nuestros proveedores ha encontrado nuevas oportunidades de negocio, ha aumentado la facturación y el beneficio y ha creado nuevos puestos de empleo. Nuestro compromiso es seguir siendo un motor de oportunidad para la economía local.”
