Trench Group Opens First HSP Manufacturing Facility in U.S. to Support America’s Grid Expansion

HSP US, a Trench Group company, announced the official opening of its first U.S. manufacturing facility in Charlotte, a milestone representing a more than $60 million investment in domestic production of 25kV to 765kV high-voltage transformer bushings critical in North American power-grid modernization initiatives.

The new 170,000-square-foot HSP facility will create up to 140 manufacturing and engineering jobs in Charlotte through 2030 – nearly twice what was originally planned. There is room to more than double production capacity from the initially planned 3,500 to 10,000 bushings per year, reflecting Trench Group’s commitment to the growing North American market.

Built and operational in only one and a half years, the plant brings proven HSP’s dry-type bushing technology closer to North American customers as utilities, transformer manufacturers and large energy users respond to aging grid infrastructure and growing power needs from data centers, industrial expansion and electrification in the transportation sector.

“Power grids around the world are entering a period of rapid expansion, fueled by accelerating electricity demand, and the United States is one of the most important markets in that transformation,” said Bahadir Basdere, President and CEO of Trench Group. “With more than 130 years of high-voltage experience, Trench Group is investing in Charlotte to strengthen domestic manufacturing capacity and support customers building a more reliable, resilient U.S. energy future.”

Momentum builds for high-voltage U.S. power projects

The HSP opening arrives as the United States enters a new era of unprecedented electricity demand, with a 2026 NEMA Study projecting power demand growth exceeding 55% by 2050. To keep up, investor-owned utilities relied on by most Americans will invest $1.4 trillion by 2030 in strengthening the U.S. power grid, the Edison Electric Institute projects.

Building on Trench Group’s longtime presence in Canada, where it operates two factories, the new Charlotte facility reflects rapidly growing demand across North America, which accounted for around 50% of the company’s total order intake in the first half of 2026. Since 2024 the order intake in the North American market increased by almost 400%.

As utilities plan larger, more efficient transmission corridors, high-voltage 765 kV infrastructure is emerging as future U.S. grid backbone and important solution for moving larger amounts of power over long distances, while offering reduced line losses and greater support for fast-growing load centers. Recently, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) enlisted Trench Group to support the state’s first-ever 765kV transmission-line deployment.

"As America builds out its 765kV transmission backbone, these projects require proven technology, deep engineering expertise and a partner that understands the complexity of extra-high-voltage transmission,” said Jason Neal, President Hyosung HICO, Senior Executive VP HICO America. “Having a supply partner like HSP manufacturing here on U.S. soil is a real advantage, shorter lead times, a stronger supply chain, and a more reliable grid. HSP's investment is exactly the kind of commitment our grid needs, and we're proud to build alongside them."

Charlotte’s leading role in advancing U.S. production for 765kV transmission

The Charlotte facility is one of the most advanced high-voltage bushing factories in the United States, featuring vertical integration, state-of-the art autoclaves and lathe machines, and full-scale production capabilities for manufacturing dry-type transformer bushings, including resin-impregnated paper (RIP) and resin-impregnated synthetic (RIS) technologies, from 25 kV up to 765 kV. The HSP plant also supports future demand-driven expansion into high-voltage direct current, or HVDC, applications.

In addition, the facility houses two high-voltage testing laboratories, with capacity to test bushings up to 2,800kV – one of the biggest and most powerful test fields in North America, giving customers access to domestic testing capabilities for some of the most demanding transmission environments.

“Charlotte gives HSP US the talent, scale and proximity to serve the market players reshaping North America’s power infrastructure,” said Nils von Dietman, CEO of HSP US. “With agreements in place with leading transformer OEMs and hyperscalers, we are ready to help our customers accelerate grid modernization, support AI-driven power demand and deliver long-term energy reliability with local expertise, shorter supply lines and closer technical collaboration.”

The HSP bushings manufactured in Charlotte also play an important role in Trench Group’s global 765 kV solutions portfolio, which brings together key high-voltage technologies – including bushings, instrument transformers, coils and reactors – to help reduce interface risk and support reliable performance across complex extra-high-voltage systems.

With assembly operations already underway, Trench Group expects first deliveries by the end of 2026. Once fully operational, the plant is poised to initially produce up to 3,500 HSP bushings per year.

Investing in next-generation workers and ‘Buy America’

Designed for Build America, Buy America (BABA) certification, the Charlotte facility is expected to become the first domestic producer of dry-type bushings at that voltage level, adding a domestic sourcing option for customers, including those with projects subject to domestic-content requirements.

Robert Harrington, mayor for the City of Charlotte, said: “HSP US’ investment is the kind of project that strengthens Charlotte’s position as a hub for advanced manufacturing, global business and energy innovation. 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.”

As the company lays down roots in the region, HSP will also invest in STEM and workforce development programs that offer career pathways while building the skills needed to support long-term grid modernization. Currently, it is partnering with Central Piedmont Community College on an apprenticeship program that combines classroom instruction with hands-on training at the Charlotte facility.

Marcia Colson, Associate Vice President, Workforce and Business Development, Central Piedmont Community College, said: “Partnerships like this connect education directly to opportunity. Through our work with HSP US, students can earn while they learn, gain hands-on experience in advanced electrical manufacturing, and build careers in one of the most important infrastructure sectors of the future. This apprenticeship program supports our students, strengthens our regional workforce and helps Charlotte prepare for the next generation of energy and manufacturing jobs.”

HSP US | https://www.hsp-grid.com/en