OpenAI announced a strategic partnership with Foxconn (Hon Hai), under which the two companies will jointly design AI server racks, power, and cooling systems for multi-generation data centers, and promote local manufacturing in U.S. states such as Wisconsin, Ohio, and Texas. The agreement does not involve a purchase obligation, but OpenAI has the right to conduct initial evaluations and choose subsequent purchases, seen as a key part of its "Star Gate" domestic supply chain plan.
According to the cooperation framework, OpenAI will share insights on emerging AI workloads and hardware specifications with Foxconn, while Foxconn will be responsible for producing critical components such as cables, networks, power, and cooling systems in its U.S. factories. It will also expand the procurement of domestic chipsets and suppliers to simplify the supply chain and shorten delivery cycles. Liu Yangwei, Chairman of Hon Hai, stated that the company has unique advantages in large-scale, scalable infrastructure, which will help OpenAI achieve its goal of "rebuilding AI core in the U.S."
For OpenAI, this collaboration aligns with its recent intensive infrastructure layout: the company is advancing a $50 billion "Star Gate" data center investment with Oracle and SoftBank over four years, and the racks and systems it plans to purchase from Foxconn will be used for future GPU and custom chip clusters. Although the agreement does not involve specific financial commitments, the market expects that if subsequent mass procurement occurs, Foxconn's U.S. factory could become the "preferred supplier" for OpenAI's domestic racks and modular data centers.
