Eaton to spend $50 million to open new Virginia manufacturing campus

Eaton Co. announced December 10th that it would open a new manufacturing campus in Henrico County, Virginia. According to a company statement, the new facility will increase production for static transfer switches, power distribution units and remote power panels used in data centers.

The Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based power distribution company said the new investment would double its footprint in Richmond as it uses the new site to expand and consolidate three existing sites in the area. The new, 350,000-square-foot location is expected to create 200 jobs. Production at the new site is expected to begin in 2027.

In its statement, Eaton emphasized strong demand from data center construction for power management products. It noted that 50 new data centers have been permitted in Virginia in 2025 so far. The rise in data center construction has led to incidental boons for companies in related industrial infrastructure, including electrical infrastructure like Eaton and ABB’s as well as heat management products from manufacturers like Modine.

What people are saying

“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 VP and GM 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 latest investment in Henrico is proof that Virginia companies and workers are stepping up to meet our growing power needs,” said Virginia Gov. 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.”

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.

Manufacturers investing in Virginia

Cornerstone Building Brands to spend $4.9 million, expand Virginia construction products plant
The North Carolina-based construction manufacturer said the expansion would create

Polyzent to spend $1.1 million on first factory in Virginia, hire 20
The packaging startup, founded this year, aims to start manufacturing stretch wrap next month.

LEGO Group breaks ground on $366 million Virginia distribution center
The site will be used to support the company's nearby $1.5 billion factory currently under construction.

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.