Finning to Distribute BaseLayer Modular Data Centers in UK, Ireland

BaseLayer, the Chandler, Arizona-based maker of prefabricated modular data centers being spun out of a company called IO, has signed Finning UK & Ireland as its exclusive distributor in the U.K. and Ireland.

Phoenix-based IO is in the process of being split into two companies: BaseLayer, which manufactures and sells modular data centers and data center infrastructure management software, and IO, a colocation and cloud services provider.

Finning UK & Ireland is a subsidiary of Finning International, a vendor of power solutions for various industries, including power generation and oil and gas.

“Finning is known and respected for providing efficient energy and power solutions to large enterprises,” Peter McNamara, executive vice president of worldwide sales and customer operations at BaseLayer, said in a statement. “The partnership expands BASELAYER’s reach and strengthens our ability to transform the data center industry.”

IO has used a similar approach to several Asian markets. In 2013 it signed Tractors Machinery International as an exclusive distributor of its modular data centers in Singapore, Malaysia, and Brunei.

Until now, IO was operating as a single business, designing and manufacturing modules (previously called io.Anywhere), writing DCIM software, and providing data center space. It provided space within the modules, housed in large warehouses, and traditional raised-floor space.

IO execs said the split would enable better focus for each part of the business.

The data center modules are manufactured at a factory in Chandler (just outside of Phoenix), which is where BaseLayer is now also headquartered.