Hitachi Energy is making a major investment in Southwest Virginia, announcing a $22.5 million expansion that will strengthen its long-standing presence in Bland County and extend operations into Smyth County. The company, which has been part of the Bland community for more than 50 years, plans to open a new facility in Atkins while also upgrading its existing plant in Bland. All told, the project is expected to create roughly 120 new jobs across the two counties.
The Atkins site, a newly purchased 75,000-square-foot building just off the interstate, will focus on manufacturing components used in electrical transformers. Hitachi Energy expects this facility to bring about 40 jobs to Smyth County, with operations beginning in August 2025. The remaining $12.5 million will be invested back into the Bland plant, which already employs around 450 workers. Those upgrades will increase production capacity and help the company keep up with rising demand from industries such as renewable energy, data centers, and modern transportation systems.
For many in Bland and Smyth counties, the announcement is more than just a business deal. Hitachi Energy has been one of the region’s most stable employers, known for producing dry-type transformers — the kind used to help regulate voltage in electrical grids across the country. The expansion means new opportunities for workers, greater job security for existing employees, and a renewed sense of confidence that this part of Virginia can continue to play a key role in modern manufacturing.
Local officials have pointed to the company’s investment as a sign that Southwest Virginia remains a competitive place for industry, especially as global demand grows for energy infrastructure. The Atkins facility will help feed components directly to the Bland plant, streamlining operations and allowing the company to scale more efficiently. It also reinforces the company’s long-term commitment to the region at a time when many rural communities worry about losing major employers.
Beyond the economic impact, Hitachi Energy has also been involved in workforce development and educational outreach in the area, supporting STEM initiatives and training opportunities for students interested in engineering and manufacturing. Those efforts are expected to continue — and likely grow — as the company expands.
For a rural region that often battles population decline and limited job prospects, this expansion offers something tangible: new jobs, more stability, and a fresh investment in the people who have worked in and around Bland County for generations. As the country moves toward a more modern and resilient energy grid, some of the equipment powering that shift will be built right here in Southwest Virginia.