Hitachi Energy is strengthening its U.S. manufacturing footprint with a $22.5 million investment to expand and modernize its dry-type transformer operations in Southwest Virginia. The announcement includes the development of a new 75,000-square-foot facility in Atkins and significant upgrades to the existing plant in Bland County.
Of the total investment, approximately $10 million will be directed toward the new Atkins facility in Smyth County, which is expected to create 40 new skilled jobs. The remaining $12.5 million will support the modernization of the Bland facility, generating an estimated 80 new positions. Together, the sites will play a critical role in increasing production capacity to meet the rising demand for transformers used in data centers, electric vehicle infrastructure, renewable energy, and grid modernization.
“This new facility in Atkins, alongside the upgrades at our existing site in Bland, represents a major milestone in our commitment to building resilient energy infrastructure in the U.S.,” said Steve McKinney, Senior Vice President and Head of Transformers, North America, Hitachi Energy. “Virginia has been an essential part of our manufacturing story for over 50 years, and this expansion reflects our confidence in the region’s skilled workforce and strong support for innovation. By increasing production capacity and modernizing operations across both sites, we empower our customers with sustainable, locally manufactured solutions that drive progress and support long-term community growth.”
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin welcomed the announcement, calling it “a powerful endorsement of Virginia’s manufacturing capabilities and workforce excellence.” The Commonwealth of Virginia, in collaboration with Smyth and Bland Counties and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, provided support through workforce training programs and performance-based incentives.
Hitachi Energy’s investment in Virginia is part of a broader $1.5 billion global initiative to expand transformer manufacturing. The company operates more than 30 transformer factories and service centers worldwide and is scaling up domestic production to support national grid reliability and sustainability goals.
The Virginia expansion also aligns with Hitachi Energy’s long-term commitment to economic and workforce development in rural regions, including educational outreach and training partnerships across the state.
The Atkins facility is expected to begin operations in 2026.
