Virginia Transformer on May 19 announced plans to build a new 600,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art power transformer plant at the Shoals Research Airpark in Colbert County, Alabama capable of producing a wide range of power transformers -- from 2 MVA up to 500 MVA.
“This additional expansion will further expand Virginia Transformer’s long-held position of having the shortest lead times in the industry for its customers and will become the Company’s seventh facility in North America,” it said in a news release.
“TVA and Muscle Shoals Electric Board are excited to welcome Virginia Transformer Corp to Colbert County. Working in partnership with Shoals EDA, Alabama Department of Commerce, City of Muscle Shoals and Colbert County to support companies like Virginia Transformer Corp, furthers our shared commitment to fostering job creation and investment in the region,” said Heidi Smith, Vice President of Economic Development for the Tennessee Valley Authority. “This announcement not only represents impactful investment, but also the creation of new job opportunities for the communities we serve. TVA is proud to support companies that contribute to the prosperity and vibrancy of our region, and we celebrate this announcement.”
The new advanced manufacturing plant will be built on approximately 90 acres within the Airpark and features:
- A dedicated Norfolk Southern rail spur for shipping and supply chain needs made possible through the ‘Growing Alabama’ program;
- A dedicated on-site training center;
- Digital manufacturing dashboards for management with online, a real-time portal for customers;
- Automated warehousing to deliver material to point of use within the plant; and
- A design to machinery interface.
Upon achieving full production, the new plant will employ 1,100 people.
The design, technology and process at the new plant will be an extension of the company’s 500 kV factory in Rincon, Ga., which recently achieved a streak of 86 consecutive power transformers successfully passing FAT (final acceptance testing), a world record.
On-site construction work in Muscle Shoals is set to begin immediately with initial production scheduled to begin in January 2028.
The new plant is in addition to the expansion work underway at the Company’s Rincon facility outside Savannah, which will increase installed capacity there by 50 percent. The Rincon expansion will be completed in March of 2027.
The new manufacturing facility in Muscle Shoals will serve customers across utilities, data centers, renewable energy, industrial, mining, oil and gas, commercial, institutional, specialty, in U.S. and Canada markets.
For additional information about the company, visit its website.
