Hitachi Energy expands U.S. footprint with $22.5 million investment to increase transformer production in Virginia

Hitachi Energy today announced a $22.5 million investment to expand and modernize its dry-type transformer manufacturing operations in Southwest Virginia. This investment will support two key initiatives: the opening of a newly purchased 75,000-square-foot facility in Atkins, Virginia, and significant upgrades to the company’s existing facility in Bland, Virginia - North America’s leading producer of dry-type transformers. Together, these enhancements will boost production capacity, support modernization efforts, and reinforce Hitachi Energy’s longstanding presence and continued growth in the region.

Approximately $10 million of the investment will support the new manufacturing facility in Atkins, which will create about 40 skilled jobs in Smyth County. Located just 40 miles from Bland and with direct access to major highways, the site will strengthen manufacturing capabilities and improve regional distribution to serve Hitachi Energy’s customers and partners better. The facility is expected to be fully operational in August 2025.

An additional $12.5 million will be invested in the production facility located in Bland, which will create another 80 jobs. These upgrades will create increased capacity for production and advanced assembly capabilities, helping to meet long-term customer demand and accelerate Hitachi Energy’s 2030 strategic plan.

This expansion is part of Hitachi Energy’s previously announced planned investments of over $6 billion globally through 2027, aimed at strengthening the resilience and capacity of electrical grids around the world. Conducted in collaboration with the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP), the project will expand Hitachi Energy’s ability to serve critical sectors, including renewable energy, data centers, and e-mobility. Moreover, once complete, these upgrades will help contribute to the U.S. government’s goals around domestic manufacturing and the clean energy transition.

This investment also underscores Hitachi Energy’s dedication to environmental responsibility, innovation, and community partnership. In addition to creating quality jobs, the company is investing in educational outreach, science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) programs, and workforce development initiatives across the region. 

“Hitachi Energy’s investment in the new Atkins facility and the transformative modernization of the Bland plant is a powerful endorsement of Virginia’s manufacturing capabilities,” said Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin. “This world-class company’s investment in Southwest Virginia is not only expanding domestic transformer production, but also creating high-quality, skilled jobs and driving innovation in energy infrastructure. Hitachi Energy is a trusted, long-term partner with Virginia, and together we are growing a hub of energy innovation and infrastructure advancement.” 

“I’m thrilled to see Hitachi Energy expand its footprint in Southwest Virginia with today’s announcement of a new manufacturing facility in Smyth County and upgrades to its existing Bland County facility. These investments will create and maintain good-paying jobs in the region and strengthen our nation’s electrical grid,” said U.S. Senator Mark R. Warner (D-VA).

“Investing in local industry and expanding access to jobs is vital to boosting our economy and helping Virginia families thrive,” said U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA). “I’m glad to hear Hitachi Energy is investing over $22 million to expand and upgrade their facilities in Southwest Virginia—bringing jobs to the region and reinforcing Virginia’s place as a leader in innovation and manufacturing.”

“Hitachi Energy is a significant part of what makes Southwest Virginia an important contributor to the production of dry-type transformers in North America. A new $22.5 million investment to extend Hitachi’s operations in the region signifies a continued commitment to the hard-working people of Southwest Virginia,” said U.S. Congressman H. Morgan Griffith (VA-09).

Hitachi Energy currently employs approximately 450 people in Bland, designing and manufacturing oil-free, medium-voltage dry-type transformers. These transformers stabilize the voltage for the nation’s grid and enable advanced industrial applications. The addition of the Atkins facility will extend this legacy by helping feed the main factory in Bland with assembled components for final assembly to support Hitachi Energy’s strategic objectives. 

This latest investment reflects Hitachi Energy’s broader commitment to strengthening local manufacturing in the U.S. As customer needs grow and the energy transition accelerates, Hitachi Energy focuses on delivering innovative solutions that empower communities and support a more sustainable, resilient energy future – both locally and globally.