Virginia Transformer Corp. to spend $40 million on Georgia plant expansion, create 400 jobs

Virginia Transformer Corp. will spend $40 million on expanding a factory near Rincon, Georgia, about 15 miles from Savannah. According to a November 20 statement from the company, the expansion of Virginia Transformer’s Georgia Transformer Plant will increase total productivity there by 70% and create 400 jobs on the site, which currently employs 800. The factory builds large power transformers for use in utilities, mining, commercial and industrial applications as well as data centers.

The company didn’t specify if the plant’s 250,000-square-foot footprint would change, but the expansion will include purchasing new machines for vertical winding, core building and vapor phase drying, a new transformer prep area, new material handling systems and additional employee parking.

In statements, state officials noted that demand for utility infrastructure is high and indicated the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the Effingham County Industrial Development Authority, Georgia Power and Georgia Quick Start collaborated to attract the expansion, though neither the company nor the state disclosed any dollar amounts for tax credits or grants.

What people are saying

“Virginia Transformer is the largest U.S.-owned producer of power transformers in North America, and we’ve been able to grow by focusing on delivering for customers,” said Prabhat Jain, Virginia Transformer CEO. “We are known throughout the industry for being an engineering company that makes power transformers with the shortest lead times. This additional investment for our customers will further underscore that position. And, we plan to continue to grow to serve our customers.”

“Along with state and local leaders in the coastal region, we're proud to celebrate this major expansion and Virginia Transformer's decision to double down on Georgia,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “This is just the latest testament to the impact of our partnership approach, and I want to congratulate Virginia Transformer on this exciting announcement. We look forward to the impact their decision will have on the Rincon and Effingham County communities.”

“I’m proud to join Governor Brian Kemp and leaders across Southeast Georgia in applauding Virginia Transformer’s expansion in Effingham County. This investment comes at a critical moment as our region continues to face the fallout of recent mill closures and the loss of good-paying jobs,” said Speaker Jon Burns. “We are grateful for Virginia Transformer’s commitment to expanding their presence here in Georgia, and we look forward to welcoming the new job opportunities this project will create for the citizens of Effingham County.”

“Virginia Transformer’s expansion comes during a time when the demand for utility and commercial scale is at an all-time high,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson. “By attracting sectors that serve the energy grid, we ensure that businesses not only grow but thrive in Georgia, benefiting both our economy and communities. Congratulations to Effingham County on the continued growth of existing industries such as Virginia Transformer.”

Manufacturers investing in Georgia

Hyundai Motors opens 89,000-square-foot training center for training EV workers
The training center is next to Hyundai Motor Group’s Metaplant America, where, earlier this year, ICE detained 475 Hyundai employees.

Stow Group builds $46 million expansion in Georgia
The company said the investment would create 200 new jobs in the area.

Nefab opens new $9.5 million factory in Georgia
The new Southeast Hub will expand the company’s production capacity for wood crates, corrugated packaging, and foam cushioning.

Investments in data center infrastructure

CEL Critical Power electronics manufacturer to spend $5.2 million on new Virginia plant
The company manufactures low-voltage power distributers, switchgear equipment and power panels.

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.

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.