Italian transformer company opens new $15 million Ohio factory

Westrafo America, the U.S. branch of an Italian electrical equipment manufacturer, announced October 10 it had opened its first U.S. factory in Trotwood, Ohio, near Dayton.

According to a company statement, the new $15 million, 233,000-square-foot site contributes to Westrafo’s goal of expanding internationally: Its other existing production locations are in Vicenza, Italy, and Tema, Ghana. In a statement, Westrafo CEO Alberto Cracco said it was a priority to invest in the United States for its own “development of an efficient and sustainable grid.”

The site will build Westrafo’s power transformers, including transformers reportedly adapted specifically for use with specific types of renewable energy, including solar, wind and hydrogen. The company estimates the Trotwood site will reach a production capacity of 12 GW by 2027.

What people are saying

“We are particularly proud to have chosen the city of Trotwood for our investment, as it enabled us to become operational in less than 14 months from signing the agreement. As CEO, I am convinced that this decision represents a unique opportunity to strengthen our leadership position, enhance our know-how, and offer U.S. customers the quality and reliability that define us,” said Westrafo CEO Alberto Cracco. “We know that challenges will arise, but we look to the future with enthusiasm, confident that this new chapter will bring value both to the company and to the local community.”

“Ohio’s energy sector continues to grow at a rapid pace, and the opening of Westrafo’s first U.S. facility in Trotwood is a testament to that momentum,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “The state’s robust manufacturing workforce will now get to work on building the transformers that power our diverse economy.”

“Westrafo sought a growth partner that could move quickly, provide access to a skilled workforce, and was near its U.S. customers,” said JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef. “Trotwood places Westrafo in the heart of America’s Energy Super Sector and offers the talent, innovation and market access needed to power its next chapter of growth.”

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