CEL Critical Power, a company based in Dublin, Ireland, has announced plans to open its first manufacturing facility in the United States. The new site will be located in James City County, Virginia. CEL Critical Power will invest $5.225 million into the project and expects to create 250 jobs initially, with plans to grow its workforce to 500 by 2030.
Governor Glenn Youngkin welcomed the company’s decision. “We are thrilled to welcome CEL to Virginia as they establish their first-ever American manufacturing site right here in the Commonwealth,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “Everyone involved in this project moved at the speed of Virginia to make this possible, and the impact is already being felt on the ground. Virginia has great jobs and as CEL works to fill these 250 new positions, they are in the best location possible to attract and retain the talent they need. CEL’s growth into James City County reflects that the future of American manufacturing is right here in the Commonwealth.”
Secretary of Commerce and Trade Juan Pablo Segura commented on how data center growth is influencing economic activity in Virginia: “By opening this new manufacturing facility, CEL is showing the positive ripple effects of data center growth in the Commonwealth and across the globe,” he said. “With this new plant, we are ensuring every dollar invested in Virginia data centers stays in Virginia. For data centers in other parts of the country or the world, Virginia is uniquely positioned to provide fast, reliable transportation of the products they need. It’s a win-win for the Commonwealth.”
Niall McFadden, Group Managing Director for CEL Critical Power, expressed appreciation for state support: “Today marks a very special milestone for CEL Critical Power as we open our first manufacturing facility in the United States in Williamsburg, Virginia,” he said. “I want to thank Governor Youngkin and the Commonwealth of Virginia for their support in making CEL Critical Power’s rapid expansion into the United States a reality. It is no surprise that Virginia consistently ranks among the top locations for business in the United States, offering a great supply chain ecosystem, excellent infrastructure and a large pool of technical talent.”
CEL Critical Power was founded in Dublin in 1982 and provides power solutions used by companies operating AI and cloud services worldwide.
James City County Board of Supervisors Chair Jim Icenhour highlighted local benefits: “James City County prides itself on being home to industry-leading manufacturing companies and CEL Critical Power is a wonderful addition to our growing industrial sector,” he said. “CEL recognized that our region’s talented and skilled workforce includes many veterans departing the armed services and this project will create 250 family-sustaining wage jobs in James City County. I am pleased that our economic development staff, the Hampton Roads Alliance, and VEDP were able to collaborate to attract this world-class provider of power solutions.”
Hampton Roads Alliance President & CEO Douglas L. Smith added: “We’re proud to welcome CEL Critical Power to Hampton Roads,” he said.“Their investment perfectly reflects the priorities of the Hampton Roads playbook—strengthening our region’s leadership in energy innovation, resilience, and reliability. From offshore wind to critical power manufacturing, Hampton Roads is charting the course for America’s energy future.”
Senator Danny Diggs also welcomed CEL’s arrival: “I would like to thank the Virginia Economic Development Partnership for working with CEL Critical Power to establish a $5.225 million investment in James City County,” he said.“This marks the company’s first American manufacturing facility, and we are honored to welcome them to our great Commonwealth. I recently toured the new facility and was extremely impressed with their operation. The jobs that they will create will have a positive impact on our local citizens. Investments like this are vital to strengthening Virginia’s economy and ensuring that our state remains a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family.”
Delegate Chad Green commented on broader regional impacts: “The Commonwealth of Virginia and James City County continue to serve as a beacon for economic opportunity and job growth,” he said.“Because of investments made by Governor Youngkin and the General Assembly, Virginia continues to lead the way in innovation. Hampton Roads’ skilled and diverse economy makes us a national treasure and a leader in our region. I know that more job opportunities will continue to seek our region as a potential for economic development.”
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) worked with local partners such as James City County government agencies and regional organizations including the Hampton Roads Alliance to secure this investment for Virginia.
The Virginia Jobs Investment Program (VJIP) will support hiring at CEL’s new facility through consultative services as well as funding designed specifically for recruitment activities related directly towards employment opportunities generated within both existing businesses along newly created ventures throughout various communities across statewide regions.
