Hitachi Energy today announced plans to expand and modernise its power transformer manufacturing facility in South Boston, Virginia to accommodate renewable energy generation.
It plans to invest more than US$37m in the facility, which is also being modified to satisfy demand from utilities and data centres.
In addition to its own investments, Hitachi Energy is leveraging financial support from the Commonwealth of Virginia and Halifax County where the facility is located.
Transformers adjust and stabilize the voltage of electricity to ensure an efficient, reliable power supply across the region.
This location produces both distribution and power transformers for the nation’s power grid, commercial buildings, and industrial facilities, as well as traction transformers for use in railway applications.
These latest investments in the facility are for an additional 26,000 sq. ft. of production space in its power transformer building, which will support the manufacturing of larger transformers specifically designed for utility and renewable energy markets.
Head of Hitachi Energy’s Transformer Business in North America Steve McKinney said: “Demand for transformers is growing rapidly and we are continuing to invest in our local footprint here in North America to keep pace.
“We are committed to helping our customers manage the energy transition, and our dedicated employees at the South Boston facility have an important role to play in serving utilities, renewable energy developers, and more as demand for electricity grows.”