The Grain Management team sat down with Telecom and Data Center experts NWS to get their feedback on the fast-evolving data center market in the US and Canada.
1. How is the rise of AI workloads—especially generative AI—changing what data center operators and Hyperscalers need from their infrastructure?
We’re seeing a big shift in how infrastructure is planned and built because AI is driving up the demand for data. Operators are dealing with much higher power densities in racks, so traditional air cooling just doesn’t cut it anymore. They’re moving toward advanced power systems and liquid or hybrid cooling. This is also putting pressure on the local grid, so there’s a lot more interest in renewable energy, microgrids, and on-site power generation to keep things reliable and sustainable.
2. What kinds of challenges are these high-density setups causing for your clients, and how are you helping them tackle those?
High-density deployments are really pushing the limits of traditional power, cooling, and space designs. Air cooling struggles once you go beyond about 40 kW per rack, so liquid cooling and modular systems are becoming the norm. Plus, those concentrated loads can increase the risk of outages, and long lead times for specialized gear make scheduling tricky.
3. Are you seeing more requests for liquid cooling? How is your product lineup adapting?
Definitely. As rack densities go beyond the limits of air cooling, we’re seeing a fast rise in demand for liquid cooling. Operators are using direct-to-chip cooling, rear-door heat exchangers, and immersion systems, especially for AI and HPC workloads. We’re expanding our portfolio in response, partnering with new OEMs, and stocking essential infrastructure. Our Integrated Distribution platform helps by offering pre-engineered solutions, keeping critical inventory on hand, providing integration and customization, and acting as trusted advisors to speed up and de-risk deployments.
4. Are most new data centers being built with liquid cooling from the start?
Surprisingly, about 75% of new data centers still use air cooling initially. But as AI and HPC workloads grow, that’s changing fast. Many new builds are “liquid-ready,” with piping and space set up for future liquid cooling even if it’s not installed right away. Hyperscalers and some colocation operators are leading this shift, while many enterprises are slower due to retrofit costs and operational worries. Over the next few years, liquid cooling should become a standard feature to handle rising power densities. For example, Grain’s 55H Tier III facility was built with redundant liquid cooling from day one, supporting racks with power up to 150 kW
5. How have your go-to-market strategies changed with the growth of AI and high-density computing?
With AI shaking up the data center landscape, we’ve shifted from just selling products to becoming a true solutions partner. We’ve built strong OEM partnerships and broadened our portfolio to include liquid cooling, modular builds, and prefabricated kits. On top of that, our added services—like consultative design, forward stocking, staging, kitting, and Procurement as a Service—make it easier for customers to build their data centers faster and with less risk.
6. Are you seeing new customer types or more interest from Canadian markets because of changes in colocation demand?
Yes, for sure. Grain’s 55H data center is a perfect fit for Hyperscalers expanding in Quebec and Ontario, as well as supporting the big financial and enterprise demand in Toronto. We’re working closely with Grain and CORE Data Centres, who operate 55H, to make sure the facility meets all the technical specs needed for high-density GPU clusters with reliable cooling.
7. With AI driving up power and cooling needs, how are you managing performance while staying sustainable?
Since we’re both a distribution and solutions partner, we understand these power demands well. We help put in place new, energy-efficient solutions that can replace aging systems, delivering the same performance while using less power. By partnering with leaders like Vertiv, we’re pushing the boundaries on power density and cooling, offering sustainable options that keep data centers resilient and eco-friendly.
8. How do you work together with colocation providers like Core Data Centres to build AI-ready infrastructure?
We align strategically with top manufacturers to combine deep technical knowledge with operational expertise. We support GPU-intensive workloads by supplying and distributing the right liquid cooling and direct liquid-to-chip components. This ensures compatibility with the facility’s cooling and power specs and helps cut down lead times dramatically.
9. What trends do you expect to shape the next year or two in data centers, especially with AI and high-density computing?
AI is really going to speed up data center construction, pushing power and cooling to new limits. Liquid cooling, hybrid thermal management, and modular prefabrication will become mainstream as operators want faster and more efficient builds. Energy constraints and grid issues will boost renewables, microgrids, and sustainable designs. On top of that, retrofitting older facilities, navigating stricter regulations, and building strong supply chains will be key to keeping up with demand.
About NWS:
Founded in 2012, NWS is a Master Distributor of Digital Infrastructure, serving the full spectrum of Broadband and Mobility markets. With deep technical expertise, the company specializes in materials distribution, custom assemblies, connectivity products, and integrated solution services, including warehousing, kitting and logistics, training, consulting, and more.
About Grain Management:
Grain Management is a leading, innovative, private investments firm involved in broadband technology. It currently has eleven investment vehicles, including the 55H data center, totaling $11B.
About Core Data Centres:
Core Data Centres Inc. is Canadian owned and operated and provides data centre and innovative solutions to customers globally, ranging from cloud and IT services, data centre consultation, to managed services and colocation. Core Data Centres operates the state-of-the-art 55H data centre in Brampton (Toronto) in the Canadian marketplace. Core also builds, deploys and operators edge modular data centres.