The new factory is expected to generate 200 new employment opportunities, in addition to the 806 additional employment opportunities in southwestern Pennsylvania.
Amid the escalating demand for power transmission and distribution grid products in the US, Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania has announced an investment of over $6.7 million, supported by Japan’s Mitsubishi Electric Power Products (MEPPI) $86 million investment proposal in association with its parent organization Mitsubishi Electric Corporation. The investment is an effort to fulfil the US’s dream of achieving cleaner, renewable energy goals.
According to Mayor Shapiro, the new factory is expected to generate 200 new employment opportunities and also continue with the added 806 employment opportunities in southwestern Pennsylvania. Vacuum circuit breakers and insulated gas will be produced in the new unit. The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) has offered a $4 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant and a $2.75 million Pennsylvania First grant to MEPPI.
This is going to be Mistsubishi’s first mega power project after several decades, with a plan for an approximately 160,000-square-foot Advanced Switchgear factory. According to the company’s spokesperson, when production reaches high, it will mainly manufacture vacuum circuit breakers. In fact, reports also surfaced that the firm’s current operation in Warrendale, PA, will be modernized with investments in test labs and power electronics.
President and CEO of Mitsubishi Electric Power Products Inc. (MEPPI) is emphasizing the company’s forward-thinking strategy by investing in a modern switchgear factory. MEPPI places innovation at the core of its operations, aiming to stay at the forefront of industry advancements. The new switchgear factory will enhance MEPPI’s ability to serve its customers and meet rising demand in the energy market. Moreover, the investment will help improve the production of critical components for both distribution and transmission grids, contributing to grid reliability and efficiency.mBreeger added that innovative automation technologies and cutting-edge software will be deployed within its current switchgear operations and the new unit.
Governor Josh Shapiro ensured Pennsylvania’s commitment to fostering business growth and economic opportunity through strategic investments by offering a business-friendly atmosphere. He also added that the Pittsburgh region is a focal point for growth, with efforts underway to attract significant projects like MEPPI’s new factory to bolster the local economy.