Latest from Plant Operations
New U.S. Manufacturing Facilities From Trumpf, Schneider Electric, Mitsubishi, and More
Trench Group Builds $60M Bushing Factory in North Carolina to Strengthen U.S. Power Grid
Trench Group GmbH, a global leader in high-voltage power transmission components, is expanding its North American operations with the construction of a new $60 million factory in Charlotte, North Carolina. Operated by subsidiary HSP US, LLC, the facility will manufacture dry-type transformer bushings with voltage levels up to 800 kV—key components for modernizing and expanding the U.S. power grid. The plant is expected to begin production in early 2026 and will feature full vertical integration and one of the region's most advanced high-voltage test labs. This investment supports growing electricity demand fueled by large-scale data centers and the rapid rise of AI technologies.
To maintain flexibility during the construction phase, Trench has also expanded its new Canadian facility, HSP Canada, to meet North American customer needs. With a 20,000-m² footprint and potential for a future HVDC production line, the Charlotte plant will shorten delivery times, strengthen customer relationships, and create new jobs. The U.S., a key market for bushings, was chosen for its dynamic demand and strong regional workforce, particularly in the Southeast’s transformer manufacturing hub.
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TRUMPF Opens Smart Factory in Connecticut to Advance U.S. Manufacturing Innovation
TRUMPF has officially opened a new $40 million Smart Factory at its North American headquarters in Farmington, Connecticut. The high-tech facility expands local production of TRUMPF machine tools and demonstrates advanced, automated, and data-driven manufacturing processes. Visitors can see firsthand how connected technologies streamline sheet metal fabrication for industries ranging from automotive and aerospace to data centers and agriculture. The 55,800-sq-ft factory strengthens TRUMPF's "local-for-local" strategy by producing laser cutting and bending machines for the North American market and supports reshoring and workforce development efforts across the region.
At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, TRUMPF announced three major initiatives to accelerate U.S. manufacturing: Adding a new press brake production line by summer 2026, expanding its Farmington-based Training Center, and launching an apprenticeship consortium with local manufacturers. These efforts aim to boost job creation, increase production output, and prepare the next generation of skilled workers. Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont applauded TRUMPF's leadership in innovation, noting the state will provide $2.5 million in support through its Strategic Supply Chain Initiative.
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Pace Life Sciences Expands Salem, NH Facility With Advanced Fill-Finish Technology
Pace Life Sciences has expanded and remodeled its Salem, New Hampshire site to create a new Center of Excellence for Aseptic Fill-Finish Processing. The upgraded facility, which opens July 16, will help meet growing demand for sterile manufacturing services in biologics and other large molecule products.
The expansion includes a new isolated vial filling line designed for small batch manufacturing with high sterility assurance and EU Annex 1 compliance. With these enhancements, Pace will boost its cGMP fill-finish capabilities for vaccines, gene therapies, antibodies, and protein-based therapeutics, supporting clients as their programs scale and regulatory needs advance.
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Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas Opens New Houston Fabrication Facility to Boost Forklift Production
Construction of the $20 million facility began in August 2023 and was completed by spring 2025, with full production set to launch this year. As electric solutions continue to outpace internal combustion options in the material handling sector, the expansion positions the company for accelerated growth while enhancing product quality and value for customers across North America.
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Schneider Electric Opens Robotics and Motion Lab in Raleigh
Schneider Electric has opened its new Robotics and Motion Center of Excellence in Raleigh, NC, expanding its existing Raleigh Hub with a state-of-the-art design and demonstration space focused on AI, digitalization, and automation. The center supports local and national manufacturers seeking more agile and resilient production solutions.
Inside the lab, partners can experience the EcoStruxure Digital Twin for virtual design and commissioning, EcoStruxure Automation Expert for open software-defined automation, the Lexium MC12 Multi Carrier system for flexible motion control, and the Lexium Cobot range of collaborative robots designed to work safely alongside people.
Part of a broader U.S. investment plan, the new lab lets customers test advanced robotics, motion control, and digital twin technologies firsthand while collaborating with experts to optimize operations, boost efficiency, and enhance competitiveness.
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