Manufacturing Facility Brings Jobs, Innovation to Charlotte
Published on July 31, 2026
Charlotte is further cementing its reputation as a national leader in advanced manufacturing, energy innovation and economic opportunity with the opening of the nation's first manufacturing facility producing one of the most critical components needed to modernize America's electric grid.
HSP US, a subsidiary of German-based Trench Group, has opened its first U.S. manufacturing facility in Charlotte following a more than $60 million investment. The 170,000-square-foot facility is expected to create up to 140 manufacturing and engineering jobs by 2030, nearly twice what was originally announced, while producing high-voltage transformer bushings ranging from 25 kV to 765 kV. These bushings are essential equipment that helps safely move electricity across the nation's power grid.
The facility, located on Westinghouse Boulevard, is the first domestic producer of dry-type transformer bushings up to 765 kV. As the country invests to strengthen its aging electric grid and meet growing energy demand, Charlotte will play a central role in supplying the infrastructure needed to power homes, businesses, data centers and future economic growth.
“HSP US’ investment is the kind of project that strengthens Charlotte’s position as a hub for advanced manufacturing, global business and energy innovation,” said Charlotte Mayor Rob Harrington. “This manufacturing facility is a great addition to the city, bringing new jobs, new technology and new opportunity for residents while helping to address one of the country’s most urgent infrastructure priorities: building a stronger, more reliable electric grid.”
Built in just one and a half years, the facility brings world-class manufacturing technology to Charlotte, including advanced production equipment and one of North America's largest high-voltage testing laboratories, capable of testing equipment up to 2,800 kV. Once fully operational, the plant will initially produce up to 3,500 bushings annually, with capacity to nearly triple production to 10,000 units per year.
Charlotte was selected for its skilled workforce, strong transportation network and growing prominence within the energy sector.
"Power grids around the world are entering a period of rapid expansion, and the United States is one of the most important markets driving that transformation," said Bahadir Basdere, president and CEO of Trench Group. "With more than 130 years of high-voltage experience, we chose Charlotte because of its talent, business climate and ability to support long-term manufacturing growth. This facility strengthens domestic production while helping build a more reliable and resilient energy future."
The investment also reflects Charlotte's growing momentum as a center for energy innovation. Earlier this month, UNC Charlotte was awarded a National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engines award of up to $160 million to lead an effort to modernize the nation’s electric grid. Nearby, Siemens Energy is expanding operations at its large power transforming facility. These investments create new opportunities for residents while reinforcing Charlotte's role in building the nation's energy future.
Trench Group officially opened the facility at a ceremony attended by city, Mecklenburg County, state and federal officials on July 30. At the ceremony, Trench Group announced a partnership with Central Piedmont Community College to create an apprenticeship program that prepares students for careers in advanced manufacturing through paid, hands-on training combined with classroom instruction.
The facility is designed to meet Build America, Buy America standards, giving utilities and infrastructure projects a domestic source for equipment that has historically been manufactured overseas.
With production already underway, and the first Charlotte-made products expected to ship by the end of 2026, the facility positions Charlotte at the center of one of the nation’s most significant infrastructure investments while reinforcing the city’s role as a destination for advanced manufacturing, energy innovation and high-quality jobs.