en.Wedoany.com Reported - Hitachi Energy has initiated a major expansion of its South Boston campus in Virginia, USA, constructing a new large-scale power transformer factory.

This expansion is part of Hitachi Energy's previously announced $457 million (approximately 369.8 million Swiss francs) investment plan, expected to bring about 825 new jobs to Halifax County.

The company held a groundbreaking ceremony at the campus, attended by Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger, Congressman John McGuire, Senator Mark Warner, and state and local officials. The new plant will specialize in producing large power transformers, which are considered critical components of U.S. grid infrastructure.

Hitachi Energy stated that these transformers will serve domestic transmission, power generation, data center, and industrial customers in the United States. The South Boston campus, operational since 1968 and currently employing approximately 850 people, will nearly double its local workforce with this expansion.

Based on nearly 60 years of manufacturing experience in South Virginia, the new project is a core part of Hitachi Energy's over $1 billion investment in U.S. grid equipment manufacturing, with a significant portion flowing to Virginia.

The project emphasizes workforce development, planning amenities such as on-site fitness and recreation facilities, a cafeteria, a health clinic, and shared spaces. Spanberger stated that this groundbreaking is a milestone for South Virginia and the entire Commonwealth, with the $457 million investment and 825 new jobs accelerating the region's economic trajectory while solidifying Virginia's leadership in advanced manufacturing. By producing more critical large power transformers domestically, it supports economic growth and secures future energy infrastructure.

The company emphasized that as national energy demand grows, the large power transformers produced at this plant are essential for supporting a reliable and resilient grid. In April this year, Hitachi Energy secured a contract to provide automation equipment for the 900 MW Nordseecluster B offshore wind project in Germany, operated by RWE and Norges Bank Investment Management.