Virginia Transformer Makers Expanded Operations

Power transformer manufacturers in Virginia are adding thousands of jobs and investing in massive facility expansions.

Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Manufacturing

Virginia Transformer Makers Expanded Operations

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Manufacturing companies across Virginia are rapidly scaling up operations to address the rising demand for power transformers. Firms like Hitachi Energy and Delta Star are adding over 1,200 new jobs in the state as they ramp up production capacity.

Why it matters

Rising electricity demand from data centers, rapid population growth, and the need to replace aging power infrastructure have created an urgent need for more transformers. Manufacturers are responding by building new facilities and hiring aggressively to tackle current supply backlogs.

Hitachi Energy is investing $457 million into a factory expansion, while medium-size transformer lead times currently stretch to 80 weeks. Virginia Transformer Corp. has grown its workforce to 1,200 employees, up from 450 in July 2022.

The players

Hitachi Energy

This global technology leader provides solutions for the power grid and is currently undertaking a major expansion in South Boston.

Delta Star

Headquartered in Lynchburg, this company manufactures power transformers and is currently adding more than 400 new jobs.

Virginia Transformer Corp.

Based in Roanoke, this manufacturer specializes in custom-engineered transformers and has significantly increased its headcount since 2022.

The details

Companies are investing heavily in new factory space and hiring additional personnel to meet the surging need for electrical grid components. These expansions are aimed at shortening the long procurement cycles that currently burden regional power projects.

July 2022 marked the baseline employment of 450 people at Virginia Transformer Corp.
October 2026 reflects the current employment figures at Virginia Transformer Corp.
2028 is the projected year for the completion of the new Hitachi Energy factory.

Market Landscape

The regional expansion follows the broader national trend of increased electricity demand driven by data centers and grid modernization. These investments position Virginia manufacturers to capture significant market share as utilities race to replace aging equipment.

The expansion of local manufacturing capacity aims to reduce the long 80-week wait times currently impacting power infrastructure projects. These efforts may eventually lead to more stable electricity pricing and faster grid upgrades for residents and businesses.

The takeaway

The surge in manufacturing employment highlights a critical effort to stabilize the power grid during a period of rapid technological growth. Consumers should expect that these infrastructure investments will be essential to supporting the long-term reliability of local energy supplies.