The expansion of the Brno factory is set to be completed by the end of 2025, increasing its production capacity by over 40 percent and creating up to 200 new jobs. Operational since 2007, the factory plays a crucial role in manufacturing gas-insulated lines (GIL) and components for gas-insulated switchgear (GIS), products vital for the transmission and distribution of electricity. These products are essential for integrating renewable energy sources into power grids, improving grid reliability, and stabilizing energy systems globally.

The expansion will introduce state-of-the-art production technologies, including a modern welding shop with highly reliable friction stir welding, a unique robotized powder coating facility, and a new service center utilizing cutting-edge digital technologies. The new facility, covering over 50,000 sq m, will consolidate all production units under one roof, enhancing efficiency and output. The upgraded factory will manufacture encapsulated high-voltage products and components for systems ranging from 72.5 kV to 500 kV, used in global transmission and distribution systems. It will also produce components for Hitachi Energy’s eco-efficient EconiQ™ portfolio, which eliminates sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), a potent greenhouse gas, from high-voltage equipment.

This expansion is part of Hitachi Energy’s broader commitment to accelerating the clean energy transition and enhancing grid resilience as renewable energy plays an increasingly prominent role worldwide. The company has made a global investment of $6 billion USD to expand manufacturing capacity, engineering, R&D, and partnerships, while hiring 15,000 new employees. The acquisition of eks Energy and COET has also bolstered its power electronics capabilities. With this expansion, the Brno factory is positioned to lead the transition to a Net-Zero future, supporting local communities, creating jobs, and providing the critical infrastructure necessary to advance the global energy system toward greater sustainability, flexibility, and security.

Source: Hitachi Energy

Prepared by the team of foreign offices CzechTrade Osaka and Tokyo