Data Centre Infrastructure News & Trends

Mayflex signs distribution agreement with Schleifenbauer

Mayflex, a UK-based distributor of converged IP infrastructure, networking, and electronic security products, has announced a new distribution agreement with Schleifenbauer, adding the Netherlands-based manufacturer’s power distribution units (PDUs) and energy management tools to the Elevate brand’s data centre infrastructure portfolio. The partnership aims to support Mayflex’s ongoing focus on high-performance computing (HPC) and data centre (DC) environments, with a particular emphasis on providing equipment that is efficient, scalable, and compliant with European standards. Schleifenbauer, which designs and manufactures its products in the Netherlands, will supply intelligent PDUs and related energy management software for integration into the Elevate range. The collaboration hopes to enhance delivery times and flexibility, particularly for UK and Ireland customers. Product and operational features The partnership will see the inclusion of several features designed to improve operational performance and ease of use across data centre projects: • European manufacturing — All Schleifenbauer equipment is produced in the Netherlands, allowing for consistent quality control, shorter lead times, and full EU regulatory compliance. • Customisable production — The company offers a flexible manufacturing model with no minimum order requirements. This allows Mayflex customers to request individual units for trial projects, or bulk orders for larger-scale deployment, while maintaining consistent performance standards. • Energy monitoring software — Schleifenbauer’s energy management platform is available at no extra cost. The software enables real-time monitoring and optimisation of energy usage across installations. • Hot-swappable modules — PDUs include hot-swappable control components, enabling updates or maintenance without downtime. • Short lead times — Schleifenbauer’s production model supports faster turnaround and delivery times, which Mayflex aims to leverage across the Elevate product range. Comments from the companies Simon Jacobs, Product Manager at Mayflex, says, “We’re excited to welcome Schleifenbauer as a technology partner to our Elevate brand. Their intelligent power solutions are a perfect fit for our growing data centre portfolio. "The combination of European manufacturing, rapid lead times, and advanced features - like hot-swappable modules and free energy management software - makes this a compelling proposition for our customers.” Stuart Edmonds, UK and Ireland Sales Manager at Schleifenbauer, adds, “Partnering with Mayflex is a strategic move that allows us to expand our reach in the UK and Ireland. "Mayflex’s reputation for technical excellence and customer service aligns perfectly with our values. Together, we’re well-positioned to support the evolving needs of the HPC and data centre markets.”

Zayo Europe sees network expansion across UK and Germany

Network infrastructure provider Zayo Europe has reported a 61% increase in the total number of route miles it powers during the first half of 2025, compared to the second half of 2024. The growth has been spread across multiple European markets, with notable increases in the UK (241%) and Germany (173%). The company has attributed part of this expansion to its partnership with GasLINE. The figures reflect the momentum built since Zayo Europe became an independent entity in mid-2024. Since then, the company has focused on delivering network infrastructure across Europe’s complex and highly interconnected digital landscape. A major part of Zayo Europe’s current strategy involves increasing connectivity between data centres. The company now connects 600 sites across the continent, supporting digital services used by businesses, enterprises, and consumers. Alongside network expansion, Zayo Europe has also grown its workforce. Headcount rose by 10% during H1 2025, with roles added across delivery, customer service, finance, and internal operations. Further expansion is expected in the second half of the year, following Zayo Europe’s full acquisition of the Emerald Bridge subsea cable. The system provides G.652D dark fibre and high-capacity wave services between the UK and Dublin, Ireland. In the company's own words Colman Deegan, CEO at Zayo Europe, claims, “We always viewed H1 2025 as a pivotal period for Zayo Europe, marking a full year since we established ourselves as an independent entity. "While growth has always been a key success metric, the pace at which our best-in-class fibre infrastructure is now connecting data centres and points of presence across major European markets is especially encouraging as we look ahead to the remainder of 2025 and beyond. “Our continued network expansion not only enhances our service capabilities but also empowers our customers with greater reach, flexibility, and resilience, enabling them to scale operations, optimise performance, and react to evolving demands with confidence. “The growth achieved so far this year is testament to the strength and dedication of our team at Zayo Europe. Service excellence is in our DNA and is frequently cited as a driving force behind our ability to secure new partnerships and mission-critical connectivity projects. "That said, we’re not standing still. We’re aiming to continue this momentum throughout the rest of the year and well into 2026.” For more from Zayo Europe, click here.

Sitehop, Red Helix testing quantum-ready encryption

Sitehop, a UK startup focused on quantum encryption, has announced its partnership with Red Helix, a network and security testing company, to bring advanced testing in-house and to "supercharge" the critical speed-testing of its encrypted data transmission, utilising a Teledyne LeCroy Xena system. With support from a five-figure 'productivity grant' from South Yorkshire Mayoral Authority, Sitehop has invested in a Teledyne LeCroy Xena Loki 100G traffic-generation and testing platform, which enables bi-directional testing of sub-microsecond latency in 100Gbps networks. Bringing testing in-house has also reportedly eliminated delays and risks in export and customs, which included a minimum two-week turnaround at more than £18,000 per testing cycle. Previously, Sitehop relied on an outsourced facility in France, but the new UK-based set up enables them to complete testing in a single day, freeing the time of Sitehop’s engineering teams and boosting their productivity. Sitehop uses the Xena Loki device to test and validate its Sitehop SAFEcore platform, capable of 835 nanoseconds latency at 100Gbps encryption. The platform can support 4,000 concurrent connections, deploying "crypto-agile" encryption for use in sectors such as telecoms, financial services, government, and critical national infrastructure. Testing with the Xena Loki device covers peak load conditions, burst traffic, error injection and fault recovery, and end-to-end encrypted traffic flows. Multi-stream stress tests, mixed protocol environments, and real-time encrypted traffic benchmarking are part of the processes. According to the company, the "speed and accuracy" of the Xena Loki platform enables Sitehop to validate latency, throughput, packet-loss, and error-handling across different profiles. This is important to prove the Sitehop SAFEcore platform has the necessary performance and resilience in high-bandwidth, low-latency environments and is ready for new use cases such as 5G backhaul, wearable security technology, and the evolution of post-quantum cryptography. “Testing in this way is a strategic enabler for us, accelerating product release cycles and reducing the risk of field failure while providing clients with higher levels of confidence during procurement,” says Melissa Chambers, co-founder and CEO of Sitehop. “This is a major selling-point for enterprise and critical infrastructure environments.” “We are incredibly proud to be at the forefront of the next generation of British tech manufacturing and believe we are part of a resurgence of innovation in the UK. We are proving that deep tech, hardware innovation, and cyber resilience can thrive here. "As we expand globally and target high-assurance sectors, our ability to validate performance independently and rapidly becomes a cornerstone of our growth model. The grant we received has been hugely important, enabling us to bring a critical capability in-house that has accelerated our growth momentum.” Baseline validation using the Xena Loki device is in line with the benchmarks RFC 2544 and Y.1564. In practice, however, the Sitehop SAFEcore system - the company claims - "frequently outperforms the scope of traditional methodologies, requiring custom profiles including simulated threat-scenarios, multi-session encrypted traffic under dynamic key exchange, and adaptive stream-shaping." Liam Jackson, Director of Technology Solutions at Red Helix, comments, “We are thrilled to work with Sitehop, an exciting start-up company demonstrating that hardware-based security innovation is alive and well in the UK. "Testing quantum-ready security platforms requires precise accuracy, reliability, and sustained high-speed throughput, which software-only traffic-generation tools can struggle to deliver. "Sitehop understands this, and by harnessing the hardware-based Teledyne LeCroy Xena Loki platform, it hugely accelerates essential testing, gaining the speed, precision, and confidence to bring its cutting-edge solutions to market faster without impacting quality.”

Mitsubishi partners with Modius

Japanese multinational engineering company Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) has signed an agreement with US-based Modius to integrate its OpenData data centre infrastructure management (DCIM) platform with MHI’s power, cooling, and control technologies. The collaboration will focus on delivering a comprehensive offering for data centre energy management (DCEM) on a global scale. Modius’s OpenData DCIM software provides real-time visibility into critical infrastructure, supporting improved capacity planning, energy efficiency, and uptime. The platform has been deployed in over 250 sites worldwide and includes AI/ML-based analytics to support proactive maintenance and operational optimisation. The integration of Modius’s platform into MHI’s data centre portfolio seeks to enhance the company’s ability to offer customers real-time diagnostics, predictive insights, and greater control over facility performance. The OpenData AI/ML module is designed to recognise normal operational patterns and flag anomalies early, allowing data centre operators to "respond before issues escalate." “With the addition of the Modius DCIM platform to our digital portfolio, we can offer enhanced services to both existing and new customers seeking visibility and operational optimisation in next-generation data centres,” claims Shin Gomi, Senior General Manager, DCEM at MHI. “MHI remains committed to supporting sustainable and energy-efficient infrastructure.” Craig Compiano, President at Modius, adds, “MHI’s global presence and its alignment with our mission to drive efficiency, improve sustainability, and optimise performance in data centres make this collaboration a strong match. We look forward to working together to support facilities worldwide.”

Aligned collaborates with Divcon for its Advanced Cooling Lab

Divcon Controls, a US provider of building management systems and electrical power monitoring systems for data centres and mission-critical facilities, has announced its role in the development of Aligned Data Centers’ new Advanced Cooling Lab in Phoenix, Arizona, where it served as the controls vendor for the facility. The project marks a step forward in the design and management of liquid-cooled infrastructure to support artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing (HPC) workloads. The lab, which opened recently, is dedicated to testing advanced cooling methods for GPUs and AI accelerators. It reflects a growing need for more efficient thermal management as data centre density increases and energy requirements rise. “As the data centre landscape rapidly evolves to accommodate the immense power and cooling requirements of AI and HPC workloads, the complexities of managing mechanical systems in these environments are escalating,” says Kevin Timmons, Chief Executive Officer of Divcon Controls. “Our involvement with Aligned Data Centers' Advanced Cooling Lab has provided us with invaluable experience at the forefront of liquid cooling technology. "We are actively developing and deploying advanced control platforms that not only optimise the performance of these systems, but also contribute to long-term sustainability goals.” Divcon Controls has focused its work on managing the added complexity that liquid cooling introduces, including: • Precise thermal control — Managing coolant flow, temperature, and pressure to improve heat transfer efficiency and reduce energy consumption. • Integration with mechanical infrastructure — Coordinating the performance of pumps, heat exchangers, cooling distribution units (CDUs), and leak detection systems within a unified control framework. • Load-responsive adjustment — Adapting cooling output in real time to match fluctuating IT loads, helping maintain optimal operating conditions while limiting energy waste. • Visibility and predictive maintenance — Providing operators with detailed analytics on system performance to support proactive maintenance and longer equipment life. • Support for hybrid environments — Enabling the transition between air and liquid cooling within the same facility, as demonstrated at Aligned’s lab. As more facilities transition to hybrid and liquid-cooled architectures, Divcon Controls says it is focusing on delivering control systems that enhance energy efficiency, reduce operational risk, and ensure long-term asset reliability. “Our collaboration with industry leaders like Aligned Data Centers underscores our commitment to innovation and to solving the most pressing challenges in data centre infrastructure,” continues Kevin. “Divcon Controls is proud to be at the forefront of developing intelligent control platforms for the next generation of high-density, AI-powered data centres, with environmental performance front of mind.” For more from Aligned, click here.

GF introduces first-ever full-polymer Quick Connect Valve

The Quick Connect Valve 700 is a patented dual-ball valve engineered with the aim of enhancing safety, efficiency, and sustainability in Direct Liquid Cooling (DLC) systems. The company claims that, "as the first all-polymer quick connect valve for data centre applications, it is 50% lighter and facilitates 25% better flow compared to conventional metal alternatives while offering easy, ergonomic handling." As demand for high-density, high-performance computing grows, DLC is reportedly becoming a preferred method for thermal management in next-generation data centres. By transporting coolant directly to the chip, DLC can improve thermal efficiency compared to air-based methods. A key component in this setup is the Technology Cooling System (TCS), which distributes coolant from the Cooling Distribution Unit (CDU) to individual server racks. To support this shift, manufacturer of plastic piping systems, valves, and fittings GF has developed the Quick Connect Valve 700, a fully plastic, dual-ball valve engineered for direct-to-chip liquid cooling environments. Positioned at the interface between the main distribution system and server racks, the valve is intended to enable fast, safe, and durable coolant connections in mission-critical settings. Built on GF’s Ball Valve 546 Pro platform, the Quick Connect Valve 700 features two identical PVDF valve halves and a patented dual-interlock lever. This mechanism ensures the valve can only be decoupled when both sides are securely closed, aiming to minimise fluid loss and maximise operator safety during maintenance. Its two-handed operation further reduces the risk of accidental disconnection. The valve is made of corrosion-free polymer, which is over 50% lighter than metal alternatives and provides a UL 94 V-0 flammability rating. Combined with the ergonomic design of its interlocking mechanism, the valve is, according to the company, easy to handle during installation and operation. At the same time, its full-bore valve design seeks to ensure an optimal flow profile and a reduced pressure drop of up to 25% compared to similar metal products. The product has a minimum expected service life of 25 years. “With the Quick Connect Valve 700, we’ve created a critical link in the DLC cooling loop that’s not only lighter and safer, but more efficient,” claims Charles Freda, Global Head of Data Centers at GF. “This innovation builds on our long-standing thermoplastic expertise to help operators achieve the performance and uptime their mission-critical environments demand.” The Quick Connect Valve 700 has been assessed with an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) according to ISO 14025 and EN 15804. An EPD is a standardised, third-party verified document that uses quantified data from Life Cycle Assessments to estimate environmental impacts and enable comparisons between similar products. For more from GF, click here.

Whitepaper: Can AI solve the data centre energy paradox?

As the global demand for data continues to surge, data centres are rapidly scaling up, driven in large part by artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. Yet, whilst AI is accelerating innovation, it is also intensifying the energy challenge facing operators and infrastructure providers worldwide. In a new whitepaper from Hitachi Energy, the company explores this very paradox: can AI help to solve the sustainability and efficiency issues that it, in part, is responsible for creating? The technical brief, entitled Powering data centres sustainably in an AI world, delves into AI’s growing influence across the digital infrastructure sector, its impact on energy demand, and how it could enable a more efficient, sustainable future. In particular, it examines AI’s potential to optimise power consumption, streamline cooling strategies, and support smarter energy distribution across increasingly complex data centre estates. It also considers how AI can contribute to the broader clean energy transition, including integration with renewable energy sources and smarter grid interactions, among other key issues which are essential as the industry faces mounting pressure to align with global net zero goals. For data centre owners, operators, and energy stakeholders alike, the whitepaper offers timely insights into a future where AI could become both the driver and the solution for sustainable digital growth. You can read the full whitepaper here. For more from Hitachi, click here.

STULZ invests in Hamburg production facility for liquid cooling

STULZ, a manufacturer of mission-critical air conditioning technology, has invested in a new production facility dedicated to liquid cooling systems at its headquarters in Hamburg. The expansion reflects the company’s focus on meeting growing demand for advanced cooling systems across high-performance computing and AI-driven data centres. The site extension enables closer collaboration between STULZ’s research and development, product management, and service teams, aiming to improve internal coordination and streamline workflows. According to the company, this will accelerate the delivery of liquid cooling innovations, reduce time to market, and enhance customer support capabilities across global markets. “Liquid cooling is a highly effective way to efficiently dissipate heat from the sensitive IT equipment found in modern data centres,” says Jörg Desler, Global Director Technology at STULZ. “Liquid cooling solutions must therefore be manufactured to the highest standards, with rigorously tested materials, modern quality management, efficient production processes, and qualified and experienced personnel. "We are proud to have these attributes in place in Hamburg and are already expanding upon them with our new production facility.” STULZ offers a range of liquid cooling systems which it says are tailored to the needs of modern data centre environments. These include configurable complete systems, advanced chillers with free cooling functionality, and modular technologies for scalable, high-density deployments. The company states that all offerings are designed for precise temperature control, reliability, and sustainability. Among the products manufactured at the new facility is the CyberCool CMU cooling distribution unit, which enables control over both the facility water system and the technology cooling system. It manages coolant flow, temperature, and pressure across both sides of the liquid cooling infrastructure, with the aim of improving efficiency. The unit is available in two sizes and provides a continuously variable output of up to 1,380kW. It can also be customised to meet specific project requirements. The CyberCool CMU is produced in Hamburg and distributed to customers across the EMEA and US regions, while other STULZ production sites supply additional global markets. New variants and expanded product sizes are currently under development, supported by ongoing investment in the Hamburg facility. “With this expansion of our production capabilities, we are demonstrating our commitment to Hamburg and thus creating a further basis for growth, innovation, and sustainable employment, even in the face of international competition,” adds Jörg. “The development of liquid cooling for high performance computing and AI-driven data centres is a key component of our strategy to strengthen technological leadership and uphold our high standards of quality and service.” For more from STULZ, click here.

Chatsworth launches new eConnect PDUs

Chatsworth Products (CPI), a US-based manufacturer of IT infrastructure equipment, has launched a new addition to its eConnect Power Distribution Unit (PDU) portfolio, introducing a QuadLock outlet design that the company says provides improved outlet compatibility and power reliability for high-density, high-performance data centres. The new eConnect PDUs with QuadLock outlets aim to support a range of infrastructure requirements, including AI- and GPU-based computing environments, as well as liquid-cooled systems. The units are designed to enhance adaptability, reduce operational risk, and streamline deployment by integrating four outlet types - C13, C15, C19, and C21 - within a single chassis. CPI’s new offering supports all four outlet types with built-in locking mechanisms, without the need for proprietary power cords. “With data centres facing rapid technological advancements, including the proliferation of GPU and AI workloads, infrastructure flexibility and power reliability are more critical than ever,” argues Ashish Moondra, Senior Director of Electronics and Software at CPI. “eConnect PDUs with QuadLock Outlets empower our customers to quickly adapt to changing equipment requirements without sacrificing performance or uptime.” Key features of the eConnect PDU with QuadLock Outlets include: • Four-outlet compatibility — One unit supports C13, C15, C19, and C21 outlet types, increasing equipment compatibility and reducing the need for multiple PDU models. • Secure locking mechanism — Each outlet includes integrated locking to prevent accidental disconnections, including in high-vibration or high-traffic environments. • High-power support — Systems can deliver up to 57.5kW per cabinet with 100A input capacity, supporting intensive workloads. • Colour-coded outlets — Aids in load balancing and troubleshooting by making outlet identification easier. • Flexible integration — Compatible with all six CPI eConnect PDU models - Basic, Metered, Monitored, Monitored Pro, Switched, and Switched Pro - and can be pre-installed into CPI cabinets for quicker deployment. The modular design is intended to reduce PDU redundancy, simplify inventory management, and support a scalable approach to data centre infrastructure. CPI also highlights the product’s contribution to sustainability goals by reducing waste through long-term compatibility and reusability. The new PDUs will be available from 7 July 2025 through CPI’s global network of distribution partners.

RETN upgrades Lithuanian network ring

RETN, an independent global network services provider, has announced the upgrade of its Lithuanian network ring connecting Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipėda, Šiauliai, and Panevėžys. The upgrade enhances regional connectivity within Lithuania by extending high-capacity services across these cities, while maintaining Vilnius and Kaunas as key nodes on RETN’s international backbone linking the Baltics with major European hubs. Working in partnership with fibre provider Skaidula, and in response to customer demand, RETN deployed 100G DWDM transponders across key regional routes, complementing the existing Nx100G and Nx400G services in Vilnius and Kaunas. The upgraded segments now operate with 500G of installed capacity and are designed to scale to 1.2Tbps and beyond as demand grows. The upgraded ring improves access across the Baltic region and provides direct routes to border points with Latvia and Poland, with onward connectivity to Warsaw, Stockholm, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, and other key locations. "As Lithuania continues to grow as a technology powerhouse, RETN is committed to providing fast, secure, and future-proof connectivity to meet the demands of the region's rapidly evolving IT sector,” comments Timur Pertenava, Commercial Director, Nordic & Baltic at RETN. “Our upgraded infrastructure is designed to support the growing needs of international carriers, cloud providers, and the thriving local unicorn ecosystem." This upgrade is part of a broader programme to expand RETN's IP and DWDM backbone across the region to support the growing traffic volumes from Lithuania's IT and data hosting sectors. For more from RETN, click here.