Hitachi Energy: Investing In US Clean Energy Manufacturing
At the forefront of global technological innovation, Hitachi Energy is renowned for providing top-notch solutions spanning utilities, industry, and infrastructure sectors. Its core mission propels it forward, geared towards cultivating a sustainable energy future beneficial for all.
Boasting a robust workforce of 45,000 spread across 90 countries, Hitachi Energy now reports a remarkable business turnover of approximately US$13bn.
This vast influence enables Hitachi Energy to play a pivotal role not only within the energy sector but also in the manufacturing realm, especially pertinent as the world leans towards increased electrification and a higher demand for electricity due to the energy transition.
Embracing its position as a global technology leader, Hitachi Energy is adept at guiding its clientele towards achieving a sustainable energy future for everyone.
Enhancing North American Manufacturing Capabilities
In response to the soaring demand for sustainable energy solutions, Hitachi Energy is set to channel over US$155m into North America. To support this significant undertaking, Hitachi Energy has augmented its global workforce by 8,000 employees from 2020-2023, which includes adding more than 1,200 staff members in the US.
This workforce expansion is spurred by an order backlog that has seen more than a threefold increase this decade, highlighting the escalating demand for dependable electrical equipment. Currently, Hitachi Energy's investments in the US surmount US$150 million, with plans for future investments under active consideration.
"Demand for electrical equipment — including transformers and switchgear — is surging globally and significantly in North America,” said Andreas Schierenbeck, CEO of Hitachi Energy.
“One of our highest priorities is making sure that we are growing our capabilities to address our customer’s present and future needs.
“To achieve our goals, we will continue to expand and optimise our footprint in the North American region, leverage our expansive global presence and prioritise R&D and innovation to drive the energy transition without compromising safety and reliability.”
Impact on Energy and Manufacturing Sectors
A substantial chunk of this investment, standing at US$70m, is earmarked for setting up a new distribution transformer factory in Reynosa, Mexico. Additionally, US$25m is dedicated to expanding the transformer factory in South Boston, Virginia.
The Reynosa plant is primed to manufacture single-phase padmount distribution transformers, vital for the North American market, promising to create around 350 job opportunities in the locale.
The expansion in South Boston is projected to ramp up production capacity for large distribution transformers, potentially bringing about 100 new job openings across various specialities, from skilled manufacturing roles to administrative capacities.
Moreover, Hitachi Energy is investing US$60m in enlarging its Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania facility, with plans to double its output of high-voltage switchgear and breakers, including dead tank breakers and gas-insulated switchgear.
This expansion is fuelled by the burgeoning demand for high-voltage products in North America, anticipated to provide an additional 100 jobs. A noteworthy inclusion in this investment plan is the introduction of a new gas-management system for EconiQ™ switchgear production.
This cutting-edge technology eradicates the need for sulphur hexafluoride (SF₆), a potent greenhouse gas, aligning with Hitachi Energy’s dedication to sustainability and eco-efficient solutions.
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