Hitachi ABB to invest $6.2 M in Bland County
Hitachi ABB Power Grids will invest $6.2M to upgrade equipment and increase manufacturing capacity at its Bland County operation.
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USA, Virginia, Richmond: Hitachi ABB Power Grids will invest $6.2 M to upgrade equipment and increase manufacturing capacity at its Bland County operation, Governor Ralph Northam announced.
The Bland County operation successfully competed with other Power Grid manufacturing facilities across the United States for this project, which will create 40 new jobs.
“Hitachi ABB Power Grids has made tremendous contributions to Southwest Virginia and the Commonwealth for nearly 50 years, and we look forward to our continued partnership with this expansion,” said Governor Northam. “The company’s decision to invest in its Bland County facility is a testament to the region’s accessibility, integrated transportation network, and skilled manufacturing workforce. We thank Hitachi ABB for its commitment to sustainable energy and for helping advance our Clean Energy Virginia initiative in rural parts of the Commonwealth.”
In operation since 1972, Hitachi ABB Power Grids’ Bland facility is responsible for the design and manufacture of medium voltage dry-type power transformers used to adjust and stabilise the voltage of electricity flowing between the electric grid and businesses, homes, and factories. The company employs more than 800 workers throughout Virginia, with approximately 332 at its Bland County facility.
“We are proud to see Hitachi ABB Power Grids creating high-quality 21st-century jobs in Southwest Virginia,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball. “The important upgrades the company is incorporating into its facility will position Hitachi ABB to expand its manufacturing capabilities and secure its future in Bland County.”
“With its proximity to key markets and range of transportation options, Virginia provides the right combination of location and access that makes it easy to get our products where they need to be,” said Steve McKinney, Hitachi ABB Power Grids Senior Vice President and Hub Manager for Transformer Business in North America. “Perhaps most importantly, the Commonwealth has a skilled workforce and is able to meet our advanced manufacturing needs. We look forward to building on our long, successful track record in Virginia.”
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the Bland County Economic Development Authority, the Virginia’s Industrial Advancement Alliance, and the Port of Virginia to secure the project for Virginia. Governor Northam approved a $140,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist Bland County with the project.
The company is also eligible to receive benefits from the Port of Virginia Economic and Infrastructure Development Zone Grant Program. Funding and services to support Hitachi ABB Power Grids Transformer employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.
Source: WVVA