Hitachi Energy, a global sustainable energy company, will expand its transformer facility in South Boston, Virginia, bringing 165 new jobs to Halifax County.
A press release from Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s office announced the expansion this morning, which is a $37 million investment from Hitachi.
“The company will add 26,000 square feet to its facility for a new production line for the manufacture of larger transformers specifically to support the utility and renewable energy markets,” the release said.
The additional 165 jobs are on top of the existing 720 Hitachi jobs in Virginia, about 320 of which are at the South Boston facility in Halifax.
The expansion was driven by “growing demand for transformers from customers including utilities, renewable energy developers, and more,” said Steve McKinney, senior vice president and head of Hitachi’s transformer business in North America, in the release.
Expanding in Southern Virginia will also help Hitachi, which has its global headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, expand its presence in North America. Its North American headquarters is in Raleigh, North Carolina, and the company has more than 4,600 employees in both manufacturing and office locations in the region.
Hitachi “serves customers in the utility, industry and infrastructure sectors with innovative solutions and services across the value chain,” the release said. It works with customers and partners to pioneer technologies that work to accelerate an energy transition toward a carbon-neutral future.
“Hitachi Energy’s ambitious expansion in Halifax County represents a strong commitment and tremendous vote of confidence in the Commonwealth of Virginia as a great place to do business,” said Youngkin in the release, adding that Hitachi has been a long-standing employer in Southern Virginia for almost 50 years.
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Halifax County and the county’s Industrial Development Authority to secure this project.
Youngkin approved a $511,500 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist Halifax with the project, and the Virginia Tobacco Revitalization Commission also approved a $220,000 grant.
The company is also eligible to receive benefits from the Port of Virginia Economic and Infrastructure Development Zone Grant Program, as well as state benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program.
The Virginia Jobs Investment Program will provide funding and services to train new Hitachi employees.
“Hitachi Energy’s decision to reinvest in its Halifax County facility is a testament to Southern Virginia’s skilled manufacturing workforce and integrated transportation network that allows the company to extend its market reach,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick in the release.