EfficiencyIT appoints Graham Robson to modular data role

EfficiencyIT has appointed Graham Robson as Technical Estimations Manager as it expands its prefabricated modular data centre business.

Robson joins the UK-founded data centre specialist with more than four decades of engineering experience, including more than 10 years focused on modular infrastructure. He will support the company's modular production operation, help shape how prefabricated data centres are built, and manage risks linked to expansion.

The appointment adds expertise in modular design, critical power systems, and mechanical and electrical project delivery at a time of rising demand for data centre infrastructure. Increased use of AI and high-density computing is helping to drive that demand.

Robson's career has spanned technical sales, operations management, and design engineering across the modular sector. Previous roles include Technical Sales Manager at Severfield, Operations Manager at ADE, and Concept Design Engineer at Portastor, part of the Shepherd Group.

His background covers the modular build process, including factory operations and product development, as well as work on fire detection, fire suppression, and cooling systems.

Growth plans

EfficiencyIT is investing more in specialist staff and internal processes as it looks to expand its pipeline of modular and prefabricated data centre projects in the UK, Europe, and other markets. The business is nearing its tenth year of operations.

Prefabricated data centres have attracted more attention from operators seeking faster deployment and more predictable build programmes than traditional construction often allows. Suppliers have also argued that standardised, factory-based production can improve quality control, although projects must still meet site-specific technical requirements.

Against that backdrop, technical estimation and production planning have become more important as providers try to balance customisation with repeatable manufacturing processes. Robson's experience is expected to support that effort as EfficiencyIT scales output.

"Graham's appointment is an important step as we scale our modular data centre business and prepare for the next chapter of our growth," said Nick Ewing, Managing Director, EfficiencyIT.

"He brings a rare combination of hands-on engineering knowledge and factory leadership, and he understands the risks and opportunities of scaling modular production better than most. Just as importantly, he shares our belief in listening closely to customers and delivering the outcomes that are right for them, which will be invaluable as we aim to expand our capacity and continue to deliver an impeccable standard of service," Ewing added.

Market demand

Modular data centres are being used in settings ranging from edge deployments to larger capacity expansions, as operators seek shorter lead times and tighter control over delivery. Interest has also grown as computing workloads become denser and infrastructure teams face pressure to add capacity without lengthy on-site build schedules.

Robson said he was drawn to the company by its leadership team and its approach to customer requirements.

"What drew me to EfficiencyIT was the calibre of its leadership. Nick, Ross, Graham and the team are the genuine article. They are innovative and firmly focused on tomorrow, and they measure success by the outcomes they deliver, taking every customer on a journey towards genuine efficiency and excellence. That is a rare commodity in today's market.

Data centres are a fluid, high-capital-outlay market, and too often the customer's real requirements get lost in the push for mass production. My approach is simple: listen to the user's requirements, dive deep into how the facility will be used, collaborate with clients and vendors to find the most efficient solution, and iterate fast. Looking ahead, I believe the biggest opportunity for modular lies in smaller, distributed data centres that deliver high output from a compact footprint. As AI drives the need for speed and resilience, businesses will want security of supply closer to home, and modular allows them to spread that risk. I simply can't wait to get started," said Robson.

His role will focus on ensuring EfficiencyIT's prefabricated data centres are built efficiently and to a high standard as project volumes increase across its modular business.