Electric Research and Manufacturing Cooperative Inc. (ERMCO), a manufacturer of distribution transformers, on Jan. 21 unveiled plans for a new manufacturing facility in Maricopa County, Ariz.
The Arizona facility will expand ERMCO’s Three-Phase transformer production capabilities and create opportunities to explore new manufacturing options. "This investment positions ERMCO to meet the growing demand for reliable power distribution and strengthen the grid for generations to come," it said.
This is the first time ERMCO has expanded manufacturing operations west of the Mississippi River, a move driven by strategic advantages that Arizona offers, it said. "The state provides a strong business climate, a skilled labor market, and proximity to key customer regions in the Western U.S. This location enables ERMCO to better serve utilities, reduce transportation time and costs, and deliver transformers more efficiently – while building partnerships with local communities and workforce development programs."
Increasing Three-Phase production is essential to meet the evolving demands of the power industry, ERMCO said.
"Rapid urbanization and industrialization, combined with grid modernization initiatives and heightened safety requirements, are driving utilities to upgrade infrastructure. The commercial and housing markets, along with the push for energy efficiency, add further pressure for reliable solutions. Many utilities face an urgent need to replace aging transformers – some decades old – to improve grid reliability and reduce outage risks. ERMCO is taking decisive steps to expand Three-Phase production capacity to ensure we deliver the performance, reliability, and innovation our customers need to power the grid of the future."
The new facility will span 566,121 square feet, including 4,070 square feet for office space.
It is expected to be operational in 2027, with foundational work beginning in 2026 to ensure readiness for full production.
