Hitachi Energy boosts high-voltage operations in Czech Republic with major investment

Hitachi Energy is investing over 1.1 billion CZK (approximately $47 million USD) to expand its High Voltage Products factory in Brno, Czech Republic, marking a significant step in its global strategy to support the clean energy transition. Set to be completed by the end of 2025, the expansion will increase the factory’s production capacity by over 40 percent and create up to 200 new jobs.

The factory, operational since 2007, plays a key role in manufacturing gas-insulated lines (GIL) and components for gas-insulated switchgear (GIS). These products are vital for the transmission and distribution of electricity and essential for integrating renewable energy sources into power grids, improving grid reliability, and stabilizing energy systems globally.

For employees at the Brno factory, the announcement of the modernization and expansion is cause for excitement. Many have witnessed the facility’s growth over the years and are eager to see how it will benefit both the local community and the global energy sector. Local employee Štěpán Bělka, Quality & Continuous Improvement Manager, who has been with the company for almost two decades, recalls the early days. “I remember when it all started, and to see how much we’ve grown is incredible,” he says. “Now we’re part of a much bigger picture, contributing to the global transition to cleaner energy.”

The expansion will see new state-of-the-art production technologies, including a modern welding shop using highly reliable friction stir welding technology, a unique robotized powder coating facility, and a new service center leveraging cutting-edge digital technologies. The new building, which will cover over 50,000 sq m, will bring all production units under one roof, improving efficiency and output. The upgraded factory will produce encapsulated high-voltage products and components for systems ranging from 72.5 kV to 500 kV for use in transmission and distribution systems around the world. It will also produce components for Hitachi Energy’s eco-efficient EconiQTM portfolio, which eliminates sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆), the most potent greenhouse gas, from high-voltage equipment.

This expansion aligns with Hitachi Energy’s broader commitment to accelerating the clean energy transition and strengthening the grid’s resilience as renewable energy plays an increasingly prominent role worldwide. A global investment of $6 billion USD to expand manufacturing capacity, engineering, R&D, and partnerships and hire 15,000 new employees, as well as the acquisition of eks Energy and COET, has strengthened the company’s power electronics capabilities. With this expansion, the Brno factory is poised to lead in shaping a Net-Zero future by creating jobs, supporting local communities, and providing the critical infrastructure needed to advance the world's energy system to be more sustainable, flexible, and secure.