Mitsubishi Electric Power Products, Inc. , in collaboration with its parent company Mitsubishi Electric Corporation in Japan, announced an $86 million investment in advanced switchgear production and power electronics in the U.S.
"This investment is driven by the increasing demand for transmission and distribution grid products as the U.S. moves toward renewable energy and decarbonization goals," it said.
MEPPI will construct a new approximately 160,000 square foot Advanced Switchgear Factory in Western Pennsylvania, marking MEPPI’s first new manufacturing facility in over a decade.
Initially, the factory will focus on the production of both vacuum and gas circuit breakers. As the factory scales its operations, it will transition to predominantly manufacturing vacuum circuit breakers, "aligning with MEPPI’s commitment to meet the evolving needs of U.S. electric utilities and support the nation’s broader decarbonization efforts," it said.
MEPPI will also expand and upgrade its existing facilities in Warrendale, PA, with investments in power electronics and test labs.
MEPPI will implement advanced software and automation technologies both at the new switchgear factory and within its existing switchgear operations.
