GE to invest $7.4 million in Iowa switchgear plant

GE’s Industrial Solutions business will invest $7.4 million in its West Burlington, Iowa, manufacturing facility and create 120 new jobs to produce a new line of medium-voltage switchgear. The move is part of a stated commitment to expanding and enhancing its electrical distribution equipment capabilities and offerings, the company said in a release.

“This year, we have focused our efforts and investments on revitalizing our medium-voltage portfolio and establishing reliable, efficient solutions to help our customers better protect and control electrical equipment in their commercial, industrial and utility applications,” said Stephanie Mains, CEO of GE’s Industrial Solutions business. “This latest investment in our West Burlington facility enables us to enhance our manufacturing center of excellence and to better serve our global customers.”

A new production line for ANSI/IEEE medium-voltage switchgear will be added at the West Burlington facility, where GE will manufacture arc-resistant, air-insulated switchgear for new installations and retrofit applications. GE said it will use advanced manufacturing processes to improve product quality and durability, and to ensure its products are made with speed and agility, which will shorten customer lead times. The company last year invested $1.3 million in the West Burlington facility to upgrade its manufacturing capabilities.