(Photo from Hitachi Energy website)
Hitachi Energy will invest $528 million to expand its transformer manufacturing operations in Copiah County, marking the company’s largest U.S. investment to date and bringing 654 new jobs to the region.
The expansion will take place at the company’s existing transformer manufacturing operation in the Copiah County Industrial Park in Gallman. Hitachi Energy currently employs 475 people at the facility, which manufactures small power transformers.
“This is truly a massive win for Mississippi and the United States,” Gov. Tate Reeves said. “Hitachi Energy could’ve made its largest investment in America anywhere in the country – but the company chose Mississippi.”
The project will substantially increase the facility’s production capacity and expand the variety of small power transformers manufactured domestically. The additional capacity is expected to help meet growing demand for electrical infrastructure across North America while strengthening the domestic supply chain for critical energy equipment.
The expansion includes the purchase of a 45-acre site at the Copiah County Industrial Park, construction of a new manufacturing facility, installation of new manufacturing equipment and infrastructure improvements.
“Reliable energy infrastructure has become one of the most important factors in economic growth, and that starts with the ability to manufacture the equipment that keeps the grid running,” Mississippi Development Authority Executive Director Bill Cork said. “At $528 million, Hitachi Energy’s expansion is a massive addition to the investment taking place in Mississippi and puts Copiah County at the center of an industry that is increasingly critical to economic development.”
The Mississippi Development Authority is providing assistance through the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive, or MFLEX, program. MDA also is assisting with site development and infrastructure improvements. Copiah County is providing assistance for the project.
Hitachi Energy manufactures transformers and other electrical equipment used to support the nation’s power grid, including infrastructure serving homes, businesses and communities.
The company said the expansion reflects its long-term commitment to U.S. manufacturing as demand for electricity and grid infrastructure continues to increase.
“Demand for electricity is growing rapidly, and the grid must grow with it,” said Andreas Schierenbeck, CEO of Hitachi Energy. “This investment in Mississippi, our largest ever in the U.S., reflects our long-term commitment to American manufacturing and building the grid infrastructure that will help power America’s growth for decades to come.”
Construction is expected to begin later this year, with transformer production at the expanded operation scheduled to begin in 2029.
The project is expected to further establish Copiah County as a manufacturing center for equipment supporting the nation’s energy infrastructure while adding hundreds of jobs to the local economy.