Electric equipment supplier Hitachi Energy has committed €80m ($87m) to enhance its transformer manufacturing operations in Spain.

The investment will create up to 75 new jobs and is part of a larger $1.5bn initiative aimed at increasing global transformer production capacity in response to growing demand.

The investment will enlarge the power transformer facility in Cordoba to more than 32,000m².

Alongside process improvements, the investment will optimise performance and significantly increase the company's manufacturing capacity for transformers on a global scale.

The Cordoba facility, operational since 1930, is a pivotal manufacturing hub for Hitachi Energy in Europe.

It specialises in the company's TrafoStar global core technology platform and shell transformers, with complementary operations in Galindo, Bilbao.

The new funding will enhance the capacity for these products and extend the facility's capabilities to include the production of shunt reactors.

Transformers play a crucial role in the electrical grid. They are vital for adjusting voltage levels, enhancing the efficiency of electricity transmission and distribution.

This contributes to the system's overall reliability and stability, supports the integration of clean energy sources and facilitates the electrification of industries.

The Cordoba factory has been supplying transformers to prominent power generation and transmission system operators, utilities and industries across Europe, North America and other global regions.

The facility has played a significant role in the development of Spain's high-voltage transmission network, the electrification of its railway infrastructure and the integration of renewable energy generation.

Hitachi Energy Transformers Business Unit managing director Bruno Melles stated: “The transformer investments in Spain is a great example of our commitment to expand our global footprint and capacity at speed and with the scale to meet the long-term needs of our customers and, at the same time, have a positive impact on the local communities, contributing to our social innovation efforts.”

In June 2024, Hitachi Energy announced an additional $4.5bn investment by 2027 to expedite the clean energy transition.