Hitachi Energy announced it will invest more than $70 million in Westmoreland County and create around 100 new jobs to help address the growing demand for sustainable electrical grid infrastructure.
The investment from the Switzerland-based company is part of a $155 million expansion in North America that solidifies Westmoreland County as a strategic hub for high-voltage manufacturing and service.
“This investment in our operations in Pennsylvania reflects our commitment to delivering reliable and resilient technologies that will power a grid with the lowest carbon footprint,” Luca Calamari, General Manager of Hitachi Energy’s High Voltage Business in North America, said on April 8.
Hitachi Energy will expand production of its EconiQ SF6-free high-voltage switchgear and breakers at its Mount Pleasant, Pa. facility.
The company will also build a new high-voltage component production facility, R&D lab and customer experience center in Hunker, Pa. Construction will start this year and is expected to reach full production capacity in 2026.
Additionally, it said its high-voltage services business would be consolidated at its Greensburg, Pa. location.
The company’s investment is the largest to date in high-voltage products in North America and will increase the Mount Pleasant facility’s ability to produce key equipment like Dead Tank Breakers, Plug and Switch Systems and other components.
“Through our EconiQ portfolio, we are driving sustainability while maintaining the highest safety and performance standards,” Calamari said.
The investment is bolstered by additional support from Pennsylvania that included a Pennsylvania First grant of $184,000 from Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic Development and a $145,000 WEDnetPA grant to train employees.