CEL Critical Power electronics manufacturer to spend $5.2 million on new Virginia plant

CEL Critical Power announced November 5 it would spend $5.225 million building its first U.S. factory in James City County, Virginia, near Williamsburg. According to a release from the governor’s office, the money will create 250 new jobs in the near term, with plans to expand to 500 by 2030. The factory will manufacture CEL’s electrical equipment, including low-voltage power distribution systems, switchgear equipment, and remote power panels.

According to the company, CEL has its eye on the burgeoning data center industry. The November 5 statement said the company’s offerings are being designed to work with Nvidia microchips used in AI and cloud computing.

Without providing specific financial figures, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, James City County, and the Hampton Roads Alliance said they had worked to secure the factory for Virginia and will provide consulting, recruiting and training services via the state-funded Virginia Jobs Investment Program.

In a statement released by his office, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin said the new location for the project was “ideal.” Juan Pablo Segura, Secretary of Commerce and Trade, said the new factory demonstrated the positive ripple effects of data center construction in Virginia. The company’s group managing director, Niall McFadden, thanked Gov. Youngkin in a statement for supporting the investment.

What people are saying

“We are thrilled to welcome CEL to Virginia as they establish their first-ever American manufacturing site right here in the Commonwealth,” said Gov. Glenn Youngkin. “Everyone involved in this project moved at the speed of Virginia to make this possible, and the impact is already being felt on the ground. Virginia has great jobs and as CEL works to fill these 250 new positions, they are in the best location possible to attract and retain the talent they need. CEL’s growth into James City County reflects that the future of American manufacturing is right here in the Commonwealth.” 

“By opening this new manufacturing facility, CEL is showing the positive ripple effects of data center growth in the Commonwealth and across the globe,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Juan Pablo Segura. “With this new plant, we are ensuring every dollar invested in Virginia data centers stays in Virginia. For data centers in other parts of the country or the world, Virginia is uniquely positioned to provide fast, reliable transportation of the products they need. It’s a win-win for the Commonwealth.” 

“Today marks a very special milestone for CEL Critical Power as we open our first manufacturing facility in the United States in Williamsburg, Virginia,” said CEL Critical Power Group Managing Director Niall McFadden. “I want to thank Governor Youngkin and the Commonwealth of Virginia for their support in making CEL Critical Power’s rapid expansion into the United States a reality. It is no surprise that Virginia consistently ranks among the top locations for business in the United States, offering a great supply chain ecosystem, excellent infrastructure and a large pool of technical talent.” 

Manufacturers investing in Virginia

Merck breaks ground on $3 billion Virginia plant
The new plant is part of the pharma giant’s push to spend $70 billion in the U.S.

AstraZeneca increases stake, breaks ground on $4.5 billion Virginia pharmaceutical plant
The new factory will produce cancer treatments as well as GLP-1 weight control medicine.

Dover Food Retail Co. spends $20M to relocate manufacturing to Virginia
The company's Anthony brand of grocery store refrigerators is moving into to another Dover brand's factory.

Investments in data center infrastructure

Eaton to purchase Boyd Thermal for $9.5 billion
Eaton CEO notes Boyd’s liquid-cooling business is in demand at data centers

Modine Manufacturing to expand to new plant, hire 300 workers
The company’s thermal management systems are used in cooling systems for data centers.

ABB Adds $110M to Grid, Data Center Investment Push
The global electrification and automation giant will expand plants in three states and Puerto Rico and create nearly 200 jobs.

Investing in American manufacturing in 2025 

This map shows where manufacturers are choosing to invest their resources, whether they are building new production facilities or expanding existing plants.