Eaton invests $50M+ in new Virginia facility to advance grid-to-chip AI data center solutions

• Hiring for an expected additional 200 local jobs to begin in 2026 at new and existing Eaton Richmond sites, growing the company’s operations in Virginia

PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Intelligent power management company Eaton today announced it will open a new manufacturing campus in Henrico County, Virginia, for critical power distribution technologies to help meet record demand from data center customers. With more than 50 new data centers already permitted in Virginia this year, Eaton is increasing regional manufacturing for technologies vital to data center equipment uptime and reliability.

The company will more than double its footprint in Richmond, increase capacity and add capabilities for manufacturing static transfer switches, power distribution units and remote power panels. Production at Eaton’s new 350,000-square-foot Richmond area facility is expected to begin in 2027.

“Eaton is uniquely positioned to help our data center customers meet the rapidly increasing power requirements for AI factories through our expansive manufacturing footprint, and our focus on innovation and engineering excellence,” said Aidan Graham, senior vice president and general manager of Critical Power Solutions at Eaton. “We’re continuing to invest in U.S. manufacturing and are thankful for the strong collaboration and support in Virginia. This latest manufacturing expansion builds on our history in Virginia and reflects on the incredible abilities of our longtime local employees.”

Eaton’s fully integrated grid-to-chip portfolio is helping meet the accelerating needs of data center customers with modular and scalable systems that can be deployed globally. The company’s investment in Virginia will increase regional manufacturing for higher power gray space infrastructure for North American customers. Eaton investments in North American manufacturing for its electrical solutions have reached more than $1.2 billion since 2023.

The company is continuing to respond rapidly to unprecedented customer demand. McKinsey analysis anticipates that companies will invest close to $7 trillion in capital expenditures on data center infrastructure globally by 2030, with more than 40% of spending in the U.S.

“Eaton’s latest investment in Henrico is proof that Virginia companies and workers are stepping up to meet our growing power needs,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “The only thing better than bringing a new business to Virginia is watching an existing Virginia business expand. By producing even more critical power equipment in the Commonwealth, Eaton is helping drive Virginia’s future and strengthening our competitive edge.”

“Eaton’s decision to expand in Henrico reinforces our reputation as a place where manufacturers truly succeed,” said Edward S. Whitlock, III, Chair, Henrico EDA Board of Directors. “With this second major investment in the past five years, Eaton is doubling down on its commitment to our community, further strengthening our local workforce, and supporting technologies people rely on every day. We wish them continued success as they grow and create new opportunities here in Henrico.”

Eaton will expand and consolidate its local manufacturing in the Richmond area at this new campus from three nearby facilities, located within three miles of the new site. Existing Eaton employees in the area will transition to the new location. The Eaton investment is expected to create 200 additional jobs, with hiring beginning in 2026. The project is supported by state and local economic development incentives.

Eaton is an intelligent power management company dedicated to protecting the environment and improving the quality of life for people everywhere. We make products for the data center, utility, industrial, commercial, machine building, residential, aerospace and mobility markets. We are guided by our commitment to do business right, to operate sustainably and to help our customers manage power ─ today and well into the future. By capitalizing on the global growth trends of electrification and digitalization, we’re helping to solve the world’s most urgent power management challenges and building a more sustainable society for people today and generations to come.

Founded in 1911, Eaton has continuously evolved to meet the changing and expanding needs of our stakeholders. With revenues of nearly $25 billion in 2024, the company serves customers in more than 160 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com. Follow us on LinkedIn.