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Why We Love PhoenixPublished February 10, 2026
ERMCO to Open Major Manufacturing Facility in Maricopa County, Bringing 500+ Jobs to the West Valley
Maricopa County continues to solidify its position as a hub for advanced manufacturing and energy infrastructure, as Electric Research and Manufacturing Cooperative, Inc. (ERMCO) announces plans to open a new manufacturing facility in the West Valley.
The expansion represents ERMCO’s first manufacturing operation west of the Mississippi River and is expected to create more than 500 new jobs for the Arizona community, reinforcing the region’s growing role in national supply chains and long-term economic development.
A Strategic Expansion into Arizona
The new ERMCO facility will be located in Waddell, Arizona, approximately 30 miles west of Phoenix, at 15784 West Hatcher Road. The site—known as Building A—will support expanded production of Three-Phase distribution transformers, a critical component in modern power grids.
Spanning more than 566,000 square feet, including dedicated office space, the facility is designed to support both current production needs and future manufacturing innovation. Foundational work is expected to begin in 2026, with full operations targeted for 2027.
Arizona’s strong business climate, skilled labor pool, and proximity to Western U.S. utility markets were key factors in ERMCO’s decision to expand into Maricopa County.
Powering Growth and Grid Reliability
The expansion comes at a pivotal time for the energy and utility sectors. Rapid population growth, increased industrial development, and grid modernization efforts are driving demand for reliable power infrastructure across the Southwest.
Three-Phase transformers play a vital role in supporting:
- Urban and suburban expansion
- Commercial and industrial development
- Utility grid modernization and reliability
- Replacement of aging infrastructure
Many utilities across the country are facing urgent needs to upgrade decades-old equipment. ERMCO’s investment in Arizona strengthens domestic manufacturing capacity while helping utilities reduce transportation costs and improve delivery timelines.
Economic Impact for the West Valley
Beyond its role in energy infrastructure, the new ERMCO facility is expected to have a significant economic impact on the West Valley and greater Phoenix area.
The project will bring long-term career opportunities across:
- Engineering
- Skilled trades
- Manufacturing operations
- Technical and support roles
State and local leaders have emphasized the importance of the project in strengthening Arizona’s manufacturing base while creating well-paying jobs—many of which do not require a four-year degree.
Arizona’s Momentum in Advanced Manufacturing
ERMCO’s announcement adds to a growing list of major investments across Maricopa County, particularly in the West Valley, where large-scale industrial and infrastructure projects continue to gain momentum.
Arizona’s leadership in workforce development, energy innovation, and supply chain resilience has made the state an increasingly attractive destination for manufacturers serving national markets.
With ERMCO joining existing operations across North America, the Arizona facility positions the company to better serve Western utilities while embedding itself in one of the fastest-growing regions in the country.
What This Means for the Region
Projects like ERMCO’s expansion signal more than job growth—they reflect long-term confidence in Arizona’s economy. As advanced manufacturing continues to expand across Maricopa County, demand for housing, commercial real estate, and supporting services is likely to follow, particularly in the West Valley.
For residents, workers, and businesses alike, the ERMCO facility represents another step toward a diversified, resilient, and future-focused Arizona economy.