Hitachi Energy has announced a $457 million investment to expand its power transformer production facility in South Boston, Virginia. The expansion is expected to create 825 new jobs and make the campus the largest manufacturing site for large power transformers in the United States.
The facility will produce large power transformers used in high-voltage transmission, power generation, AI data centers, and large-scale industrial applications. The investment is part of Hitachi Energy’s broader $1 billion U.S. expansion plan.
“Thank you, Hitachi Energy, for trusting Virginia, again! Hard-working Virginians and a business-friendly environment are what first brought Hitachi Energy to the Commonwealth. Now, after years of success here, they are doubling down on that decision with this landmark investment in South Boston,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “Eight-hundred and twenty-five new jobs will be transformational for Southside Virginia, as will the power transformers those new hires are set to build. These transformers are critical to our Nation’s electrical grid and will be built right here in Virginia.”
Governor Youngkin also announced a workforce housing project for new employees: “We are also proud to announce a major workforce housing project to support Hitachi’s new employees. We are partnering with Halifax County and Virginia Housing to build 96 new homes supported by a grant from the Virginia Workforce Housing Investment Program.”
Secretary of Commerce and Trade Juan Pablo Segura commented on the growth of manufacturing in the state: “Virginia’s manufacturing sector is continuing to grow with this exciting investment from Hitachi Energy,” said Segura. “825 new employees in South Boston will soon be constructing the critical electrical equipment needed to power even more economic growth in the Commonwealth. As our energy demands rise, Virginia and Hitachi Energy are rising to the occasion.”
Local government is contributing land and incentives for workforce housing construction near the facility. Halifax County donated 10 acres of land for housing development, while waiving permit and connection fees.
Andreas Schierenbeck, CEO of Hitachi Energy, highlighted the importance of domestic transformer production: “Power transformers are a linchpin technology for a robust and reliable electric grid and winning the AI race. Bringing production of large power transformers to the U.S. is critical to building a strong domestic supply chain for the U.S. economy and reducing production bottlenecks, which is essential as demand for these transformers across the economy is surging. As the global leader in electrification, Hitachi Energy is uniquely positioned to deliver critical power solutions for the American market,” said Schierenbeck.“Our investments in expanding U.S. transformer manufacturing capacity—including at our new South Boston facility—are already creating good-paying American jobs, strengthening local communities, and reinforcing economic independence. At Hitachi Energy, we are deeply grateful for the leadership and support of the Trump administration, Governor Youngkin, Virginia’s General Assembly, and the Commonwealth’s congressional delegation, who came together to make this critical production capacity possible to power our energy future.”
W. Bryant Claiborne of Halifax County Board of Supervisors welcomed Hitachi’s commitment: “We are honored to partner with Hitachi for the expansion of the South Boston facility. The additional jobs and substantial financial investment in the community shows Hitachi’s commitment to Halifax County and our commitment to a strong business climate where industry can grow and thrive,” said Claiborne.“This is a great day for our citizens, our businesses and for Hitachi. We look forward to the development of this project and the growth of our community.”
Joel Medley from Halifax IDA added: “We are pleased to support the continued growth of Hitachi in Halifax County. We are honored Hitachi has selected the South Boston plant for this investment. Since the groundbreaking of the original plant in 1967, this facility and its people have been vital members of our business community,” said Medley.“We look forward to continuing work with company leaders on workforce housing, training and childcare throughout this project and into the future.”
Linda Green from Southern Virginia Regional Alliance commented on regional impact: “Hitachi’s leadership in transformer technology is advancing energy reliability worldwide, with South Boston, Virginia standing as a key hub where investment in people and processes strengthens both community growth and global innovation,” said Green.“We are grateful for Hitachi’s continued investments in Southern Virginia and for the company’s expanding role in meeting world’s rising energy demands.”
Delegate Luke Torian emphasized legislative support: “The investment by Hitachi Energy represents a significant step forward in advancing Virginia’s future,” said Torian.“The General Assembly remains committed to strengthening Commonwealth’s manufacturing sector… We welcome Hitachi’s partnership…”
Senator Tammy Mulchi spoke about regional benefits: “This historic investment by Hitachi Energy… highlights bright future ahead… I am proud that our region will play key role… This investment will transform lives…”
Delegate Danny Marshall addressed national equipment shortages: “It is powerful news that Hitachi Energy will produce large power transformers at South Boston plant… Nationwide there is shortage… especially industrial applications…Southside Virginia will help resolve some…”
Congressman John McGuire (VA-05) cited economic impact: “A vigorous reliable electric grid … Bringing power transformer production … vital as energy demand skyrockets,” said McGuire.“I am thankful that this investment will establish state-of-the-art manufacturing facility … create more than 800 high-paying jobs … I would like thank Hitachi President Trump Governor Youngkin …”
Hitachi Energy operates globally across over 140 countries with about 50,000 employees generating around $16 billion annually.
To secure this project VEDP worked with local partners including Halifax County; incentives include an MEI custom performance grant up $29.4 million pending approval by General Assembly.
Job creation support comes through the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program, recognized as America’s top customized workforce training program by Business Facilities magazine.
