ABB, a company specializing in electrification and automation, will invest $28.5 million to expand its operations in Henrico County, Virginia. The expansion is expected to create more than 100 jobs over the next three years.
ABB is headquartered in Switzerland and employs about 110,000 people worldwide. In the United States, it has around 17,000 employees across nearly 40 facilities in 20 states. The company first established its Henrico County facility in 1968.
The new investment will add a test center, warehouse, and assembly lines at the existing site. Governor Glenn Youngkin commented on the announcement: “ABB’s decision to invest again in Henrico County doubles down on nearly 60 years of success here in Virginia,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “Virginia’s workforce continues to prove they can rise to the challenge and deliver world-class results. Together, we’re powering the future and meeting America’s energy needs with the groundbreaking work ABB is leading right here in Henrico County.”
Secretary of Commerce and Trade Juan Pablo Segura stated: “ABB is energizing the economy of Henrico County with over 100 new jobs and $28.5 million in new investments,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Juan Pablo Segura. “Keeping the lights on in this country requires an all-hands-on-deck, all-of-the-above approach when it comes to energy. The research, production, and distribution work ABB is doing in Henrico County is a vital part of that.”
Franklin Sullivan, ABB Electrification SVP of Industry Partnerships, added: “ABB is continually investing in our workforce and advanced manufacturing footprint in the U.S.—our largest global market—to support our customers as they focus on improving energy efficiency and uptime while reducing their energy costs,” said ABB Electrification SVP of Industry Partnerships Franklin Sullivan. “The expanded facility in Richmond will increase ABB’s production capacity to meet significant market demand for advanced electrification solutions and enable us to continue to optimize customer service in this growing market.”
The current facility at 5900 Eastport Blvd employs 184 people who manufacture products such as power distribution units and static transfer switches used by data centers, hospitals, and manufacturing plants. These products help protect infrastructure like servers and MRI machines from electrical failures.
Edward S. Whitlock III, Chairman of the Henrico EDA Board of Directors remarked: “ABB has been a valued part of our community for nearly 60 years,” said Henrico EDA Board of Directors Chairman Edward S. Whitlock III. “Their continued investment and creation of new jobs in Henrico underscores their confidence in our locality and their commitment to our shared values—innovation, progress, and sustainability. We wish ABB continued success in the years ahead.”
Senator Lashrecse Aird also noted: “This decision to expand their operations in Henrico County from ABB is a tremendous win for our region and for the Commonwealth,” said Senator Lashrecse Aird.“This investment brings with it over 100 new, good-paying jobs and helps to solidify the County and the Commonwealth as a leader in advanced manufacturing and clean energy innovation. Having first arrived in this community nearly six decades ago, ABB returning to Henrico to expand their growth is a reflection of the work we do to ensure Virginia has a talented workforce and a strong climate for business and investment.”
Delegate Delores McQuinn commented: “I am proud to welcome ABB’s expansion here in Henrico County, right in the heart of my district,” said Delegate Delores McQuinn.“This significant $28.5 million investment and the creation of over 100 new jobs reflect the incredible potential of our region and its people. ABB’s continued commitment to innovation and sustainability aligns perfectly with our vision for economic growth that uplifts families and strengthens communities. I look forward to the opportunities this project will bring to our residents and the lasting impact it will have on our local economy.”
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) collaborated with county officials on securing this project for Virginia’s economy by offering incentives including a $300,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund.
In addition to these efforts supporting business recruitment through grants such as those from VEDP’s Opportunity Fund program—which aims at boosting local economies—the state provides additional resources through programs like the Virginia Jobs Investment Program (VJIP). This initiative offers consultative services along with funding assistance aimed at employee recruitment/training activities while helping companies reduce human resource costs during expansions or when creating new positions.
