Mitsubishi Electric’s $92.7M Expansion Adds 200 Jobs in Pennsylvania
Mitsubishi Electric Power Products Inc. (MEPPI) has announced a substantial investment in the Pittsburgh region, establishing a new manufacturing facility for advanced switchgear products, valued at $92.7 million. As demand for resilient energy infrastructure rises across the United States, this new factory will support the national shift toward renewable energy sources and decarbonization goals. This investment marks the company’s first new manufacturing facility in over a decade and is designed to produce critical components for transmission and distribution grids.
Located in Southwestern Pennsylvania, the 160,000-square-foot Advanced Switchgear Factory will focus on the production of gas-insulated and vacuum circuit breakers. These products are key to strengthening energy grids, especially as more renewable energy sources come online.
In a statement, MEPPI President and CEO Tricia Breeger highlighted the strategic importance of this factory, saying, “By investing in a state-of-the-art switchgear factory, we will serve our customers and significantly advance the production of critical components that strengthen both distribution and transmission grids while driving new technologies forward in support of the nation’s decarbonization initiatives.”
Expanding regional economy and job creation in Pennsylvania
Beyond its contributions to energy infrastructure, the new facility is expected to boost Pennsylvania’s economy. MEPPI projects that the Advanced Switchgear Factory will create at least 200 new jobs, with opportunities for skilled positions in engineering, operations, and technology management. Additionally, it is expected to retain 806 existing jobs in Southwestern Pennsylvania, providing stability to the local workforce.
The investment is part of a broader trend of growth in Pennsylvania’s industrial sector, underscoring the importance of regional manufacturing in the national energy landscape. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro emphasized the economic significance of Mitsubishi Electric’s expansion and the Commonwealth’s commitment to supporting it, noting the $6.7 million in state investments allocated to the project. These state contributions include a $4 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant and a $2.75 million Pennsylvania First grant, showcasing the region’s role in the US energy transition and its readiness to support innovative industrial development.
Technological innovation in advanced software and automation integration
As Mitsubishi Electric expands its US footprint, the Advanced Switchgear Factory is set to integrate cutting-edge automation and software solutions to drive production efficiency and product quality. These technologies will streamline manufacturing processes, enabling Mitsubishi to respond more effectively to changing power sector demand while maintaining high standards of quality and precision.
The factory will initially manufacture both vacuum and gas-insulated circuit breakers, essential components in power systems for managing and directing electrical flow in transmission networks. As production scales, the facility will shift its focus to primarily vacuum circuit breakers, aligning with the demand for eco-friendly alternatives in the country’s decarbonization efforts.
State support for Mitsubishi’s manufacturing expansion
The success of Mitsubishi Electric’s new factory is strengthened by significant state support, underscoring the government’s role in fostering local industrial growth. The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) provided MEPPI with over $6.7 million in funding, aimed at supporting both the initial factory construction and future operational needs. This includes a $4 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant and a $2.75 million Pennsylvania First grant.
Additionally, MEPPI has been encouraged to apply for a tax deduction through the Qualified Manufacturing Innovation and Reinvestment Deduction (QMIRD) program, which offers tax incentives to companies modernizing manufacturing capabilities. This partnership between MEPPI and the state government highlights a broader trend of public-private collaboration for critical infrastructure projects.
Advancing US decarbonization and grid stability
Mitsubishi Electric’s latest investment in Pennsylvania represents more than a business expansion—it’s a strategic move to support US energy independence, grid resilience, and decarbonization. As the energy industry increasingly prioritizes renewables, demand is rising for advanced switchgear that can handle variable loads and support a growing network of renewable energy sources.
This facility’s products will play a vital role in ensuring stable energy delivery as the grid adapts to a complex mix of energy sources. The Advanced Switchgear Factory reflects Mitsubishi Electric’s commitment to the North American market, ensuring that regional customers have direct access to domestically manufactured switchgear solutions.
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