Gray Court, S.C., October 15, 2025
News Summary
Meiden America Switchgear is investing $9.2 million in an expansion of its production facility in Gray Court, South Carolina. The project will create 43 new jobs and add 37,000 square feet of production space to enhance manufacturing capabilities for the North American market. The expansion is slated to be completed by May 2026 and is poised to support local economic development by targeting electric power utility partners.
Gray Court, S.C. Announces Meiden America Switchgear Expansion
Meiden America Switchgear is making significant strides in Gray Court, South Carolina, with an announcement of a $9.2 million investment to expand its production facility. This expansion will create 43 new jobs in Laurens County, boosting local employment and supporting the regional economy.
The company will enhance its current facility by adding 37,000 square feet of production space to accommodate new product lines specifically aimed at the North American market. Additionally, the office space will increase by 7,500 square feet to support the growing operations of the company. Meiden America Switchgear is located at 2200 N. Old Laurens Road, Gray Court, S.C.
Significant Job Creation and Facility Expansion
The expansion project, which is projected to be completed by May 2026, will see Meiden America Switchgear focusing on manufacturing and distributing 123 kilovolt circuit breakers. These products will target electric power utility partners across North America, making this move vital for enhancing infrastructure and energy management in the region.
The SC Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits for the project. These incentives are discretionary and based on performance, making them a key factor in attracting investment. Furthermore, Laurens County has been awarded a $150,000 set-aside grant to assist with site preparation and construction of the new facility.
Company Background and Industry Impact
Founded in 2020, Meiden America Switchgear is a subsidiary of the renowned Japanese manufacturer, Meidensha Corp., which is recognized as a leader in high-voltage circuit breakers. The company’s primary offerings include high-voltage vacuum circuit breakers and vacuum interrupters. These devices are essential for managing electrical currents and protecting equipment from damage, ensuring reliability in power systems.
Gray Court, with a population of approximately 800 residents, is located 30 minutes from downtown Greenville. This expansion not only demonstrates the company’s commitment to growth but also underlines the town’s potential as a thriving business location. Governor Henry McMaster emphasized that this initiative reflects growing confidence in South Carolina’s business climate.
Laurens County Council Chairperson Jeff Carroll also highlighted the area’s ongoing success as a business hub, reinforcing that strategic investments are taking place to foster economic development.
Conclusion
The expansion of Meiden America Switchgear signifies a positive trajectory for both the company and the local economy. By generating jobs and enlarging its production capabilities, the company is poised to contribute significantly to the local and state economy in South Carolina.
FAQ
What is the amount of investment for the expansion by Meiden America Switchgear?
The company is investing $9.2 million into the expansion.
How many jobs will be created by this expansion?
The expansion will create 43 new jobs in Laurens County.
What will be the size of the new production facility?
The facility will increase by 37,000 square feet to accommodate new product lines for the North American market.
When is the expected completion date for the expansion?
The expansion is expected to be completed by May 2026.
What type of products will Meiden America Switchgear focus on?
The company will begin manufacturing and distributing 123 kilovolt breakers targeting North American electric power utility partners.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Investment Amount | $9.2 million |
| Jobs Created | 43 new jobs |
| Facility Size Increase | 37,000 square feet |
| Office Space Increase | 7,500 square feet |
| Expected Completion Date | May 2026 |
| Product Focus | 123 kilovolt circuit breakers |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Meiden America Switchgear Expansion
- Wikipedia: South Carolina
- My Clinton News: Meiden America Switchgear Expansion
- Google Search: Meiden America Switchgear expansion
- Fox Carolina: Manufacturer Expansion
- Google Scholar: Vacuum Circuit Breakers
- TD World: Meiden America High-Voltage Switchgear
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Electricity
- GoLaurens: Arrest Report – October 6
- Google News: Laurens County jobs
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
