With an investment of $86 million, the new Advanced Switchgear Factory aligns the evolving needs of U.S. electric utilities.
Mitsubishi Electric Power Products, (MEPPI), the U.S. subsidiary of Japan’s Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, announced a $86 million investment to enhance advanced switchgear production and power electronics in the United States. This initiative addresses the growing demand for transmission and distribution grid products as the nation advances toward renewable energy and decarbonization objectives.
A key component of this investment is the construction of a 160,000-square-foot Advanced Switchgear Factory in Western Pennsylvania, marking MEPPI’s first new manufacturing facility in over a decade. Initially, the factory will produce both vacuum and gas circuit breakers, with plans to focus predominantly on vacuum circuit breakers as operations scale. The investment aligns the evolving needs of U.S. electric utilities and supports the nation’s broader decarbonization efforts.
In addition to the new factory, MEPPI plans to expand and upgrade its existing facilities in Warrendale, Pennsylvania, with significant investments in power electronics and test laboratories. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is supporting MEPPI’s expansion with a funding proposal that includes a $4 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant and a $2.75 million Pennsylvania First grant. Governor Josh Shapiro emphasized that this investment reflects the state’s commitment to fostering economic growth and creating good-paying jobs for Pennsylvanians.
Moreover, the company is also enhancing its global production capabilities with significant investments in both the United States and Japan, totaling approximately USD 110 million. Apart from Mitsubishi, Hitachi Energy is making a significant commitment to North America with a $155 million investment aimed at expanding its manufacturing capabilities across three plants. This includes a notable $60 million allocation for enhancing its Pennsylvania facility that produces high-voltage switchgear and breakers, bolstering its position as a leader in innovative energy solutions.
