GALLMAN, Miss. — Hitachi Energy will undertake the company’s largest U.S. investment to date with a planned expansion in Copiah County that state officials say will inject $528 million into the local economy and create 654 jobs.
Major expansion for transformer manufacturing
The project centers on Hitachi Energy’s existing small power transformer operations in Copiah County, which currently employ about 475 people. Under the announced plan, the company will purchase a 45-acre parcel at the Copiah County Industrial Park in Gallman, erect a new manufacturing facility, install new production equipment and fund infrastructure improvements to support increased output.
Company and state leaders say the expansion will substantially raise domestic capacity for small power transformers — components used across electric grids, utilities and industrial applications — and strengthen the U.S. supply chain for critical energy infrastructure.
Timeline, incentives and local roles
Construction is expected to begin later this year, with transformer production slated to begin in 2029. The Mississippi Development Authority is assisting the project through the state’s Flexible Tax Incentive (MFLEX) program and by supporting site and infrastructure development. Copiah County officials are also involved in helping facilitate the expansion.
Information released by state officials indicates the investment will allow Hitachi Energy to broaden the range of small power transformers manufactured domestically, responding to rising demand across North America.
“This is truly a massive win for Mississippi and the United States. Hitachi Energy could’ve made its largest investment in America anywhere in the country – but the company chose Mississippi. Mississippi’s momentum is growing stronger every day, and it is our people who are building the future of American energy infrastructure. This $528 million investment will create over 650 new jobs while expanding the domestic manufacturing capacity our country needs to meet growing demand. Mississippi is proud to play a leading role in powering America’s future.” – Gov. Tate Reeves
Local economic impact and workforce considerations
For Copiah County and the surrounding region, the announcement represents a sizeable boost to employment and tax base. The existing facility’s workforce of about 475 employees will be joined by the new hires tied to the additional plant and operations, bringing the plant’s total impact well into the thousands when supplier and service jobs are considered.
State and local leaders will face the task of ensuring a pipeline of skilled workers to staff the expanded facility. That may include coordination with community colleges, workforce training programs and labor partners to meet production staffing needs by the 2029 production start date.
- Investment: $528 million
- Jobs created: 654 new positions
- Site: 45-acre parcel, Copiah County Industrial Park, Gallman
- Production start: scheduled for 2029
Why this matters for Mississippi and the nation
Manufacturing investment of this scale is rare in Mississippi and significant for the broader U.S. energy sector, which has been emphasizing domestic production of critical components to reduce dependence on foreign supply chains. Hitachi Energy’s decision to place its largest U.S. investment in Mississippi signals that the state is competitive for advanced manufacturing projects.
The expansion could also catalyze additional supplier investment and infrastructure upgrades in Copiah County and neighboring communities, enhancing long-term economic resilience.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Corporate investment | $528 million |
| New jobs | 654 |
| Current employees | 475 |
| Site size | 45 acres |
| Production begins | 2029 (scheduled) |
Next steps for residents and policymakers
Officials say construction will start later this year. Residents seeking employment with Hitachi Energy should watch for announcements from the company and the Mississippi Development Authority about hiring plans and any workforce programs. Local leaders must also address infrastructure needs such as roads, utilities and training resources to support the new facility.
For now, the project represents a major vote of confidence in Mississippi’s potential to host advanced manufacturing for the nation’s energy grid.
Curtis Whitfield is the WE NEWS state correspondent covering business and economic development in Mississippi.
