New Transformer Plant Established in Jonesville, SC

News Summary

Eaton Corp. is investing $340 million in a new transformer plant in Jonesville, SC, expected to create 700 jobs by 2027. The facility will focus on manufacturing three-phase transformers to meet rising electrical demand. The partnership with Spartanburg Community College ensures local workforce readiness, while state officials support the project with a $10 million grant. This development promises significant economic growth for Union County.

Exciting New Transformer Plant Coming to Jonesville, SC!

Jonesville is buzzing with enthusiasm following the announcement that Eaton Corp. will be setting up a brand-new transformer plant in town. This exciting development comes with a hefty investment of $340 million and the promise of creating 700 new jobs by the year 2027. The location, previously home to a Belk distribution center, is being transformed into a cutting-edge manufacturing facility geared up to meet the growing demand for electrical power.

What’s Happening at 6802 Furman L. Fendley Highway?

The plant will occupy an extensive 861,000-square-foot space at 6802 Furman L. Fendley Highway, where renovations are already in the planning stages. This is the site where the Belk distribution hub once thrived before closing down in 2022. After extensive consideration, Eaton Corp. settled on this location, which was initially called “Project Panama” during the search for potential sites. The journey was thorough, narrowing down from 25 possible locations, then to 12, and finally leading to the decision to choose Jonesville as the ideal spot.

Job Creation and Economic Boost

An announcement made during the Union County Council meeting on February 11, 2025, highlighted the substantial impact this new venture will have on the local community. With the unemployment rate in Union County currently sitting at 4.9%, slightly above the South Carolina state average of 4.7%, the introduction of these well-paying jobs is indeed a welcome development. Eaton Corp. has made it clear that they are dedicated to not just creating jobs but also investing in the local economy, which will surely stimulate growth for various businesses in the area.

Building Partnerships for Workforce Training

In a bid to prepare for the workforce needs of this new manufacturing facility, Eaton plans to collaborate with Spartanburg Community College for targeted training programs. This partnership will ensure that the local workforce is adequately equipped with the necessary skills when the plant opens its doors. As the company currently operates 10 locations across South Carolina, employing around 2,700 workers, they have a firm understanding of the job market and what it takes to thrive in manufacturing.

Addressing Increased Electrical Demand

Eaton Corp. has a key focus on manufacturing three-phase transformers at this new facility. These devices are essential in meeting the increasing demand for electrical power, driven by an upsurge in activities across sectors such as data centers, utilities, and industrial applications. With Eaton’s robust background and established expertise in electrical solutions, the Jonesville plant is poised to make a significant contribution to these industries.

State Support and Positive Outlook

Encouraged by this development, South Carolina officials are fully backing Eaton’s investment. With a $10 million infrastructure grant awarded to assist in converting the former distribution center, the state is showing a strong commitment to fostering economic growth. Given Eaton’s recent sales figures, surpassing $6.2 billion in the fourth quarter of 2024 alone, it’s clear that they are on an upswing as they aim to expand their manufacturing capabilities across North America.

A Bright Future for Jonesville

Overall, the establishment of this transformer plant represents a significant milestone not just for Eaton Corp. but for the entire Jonesville and Union County community. With job creation, economic stimulation, and collaborative efforts for workforce training, residents can look forward to a bright future ahead. As renovations and preparations begin, the atmosphere is electric with anticipation for what’s to come!

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HERE Resources

Eaton Announces $340 Million Expansion in Union County

Additional Resources

• Business Wire: Eaton Invests in New South Carolina Transformer Manufacturing Site
• Crain’s Cleveland: Eaton Investing $340M in New South Carolina Transformer Plant
• Wikipedia: Transformer
• Google Search: Eaton Corp
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Transformer