Hitachi Energy announced a $22.5 million investment to expand its dry-type transformer manufacturing operations in Southwest Virginia. The initiative includes a new 75,000-square-foot facility in Atkins, Virginia, and major upgrades to the company’s existing plant in Bland, Virginia.

Approximately $10 million will fund the new Atkins site, expected to create 40 skilled jobs and improve regional distribution. Meanwhile, $12.5 million will upgrade the Bland facility, creating an additional 80 jobs and boosting production capacity to meet rising demand.

This expansion supports Hitachi Energy’s global goal to strengthen electrical grids and aligns with the U.S. government's clean energy objectives. The project is backed by the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP).

In addition to manufacturing growth, Hitachi Energy plans continued investment in STEM education, workforce development, and environmental initiatives.

"The new facility in Atkins and modernization in Bland represent a major milestone in our commitment to resilient U.S. energy infrastructure," said Steve McKinney, Senior Vice President and Head of Transformers, North America.

Local leaders, including Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, U.S. Senator Mark R. Warner, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, and U.S. Congressman H. Morgan Griffith, praised the investment as a boost to the regional economy and innovation leadership.

Hitachi Energy currently employs around 450 people at the Bland facility, a leading North American producer of oil-free, medium-voltage dry-type transformers.